Research Project: AI Quantum Entangled Pet
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for the N8 CIR summer internship due to the opportunity to contribute to frontier physics research on real-world problems. This internship is a valuable opportunity to develop advanced research skills for further PhD study.
This internship also allows me to develop my programming skill, particularly in spatial convolution neural networks, in a multidisciplinary environment to further develop my research skills.
What did you hope to gain in completing this project?
In completing the project I hoped to gain advanced research skills in applying AI methodologies, alongside obtaining hands-on experience in the development process of computational solutions to real-world physics problems.
The internship would also allow me to engage with the N8's collaborative research community and gain experience working alongside leading academics. Therefore, by completing the project, I would gain invaluable experience for pursuing further PhD study.
Project Overview
PET imaging is the primary diagnosis tool for Cancer and Alzheimer’s. It has global market value~$500Bn. York researchers led a recent paradigm shift in our understanding of the two gamma photons detected in PET, they have quantum entanglement (QE) with each other, and it is maintained even when the photons scatter in the patient (90% of scan events).
The York group is in a unique position to model and extract information from these discarded events for the first time. The scattered photon simulation data will train an AI model - to determine both the annihilation and scatter site maps.
What were the key results of your research project?
- Created two models to predict scatter and annihilation maps.
- Created a function to obtain Lines of Response(LORS) from the prediction and another function to preform attenuation correction on the LORS.
- Created a function to create an image using back-projection out of the LORS. -Created a proof of concept for AI corrected PET.
How do you feel you have benefited from completing this internship and has it made you consider future career paths?
have further developed my independent reteach skill swell as my programming skill especially using ML libraries such as PyTorch. Also developed the communication skill working with other teams to reach deadlines.
I have found it rewarding to apply computational methods to physical systems. The erocess of developing code has also been fun therefore I would definitely consider a future career as a research software engineer in the field of physics.