Principal Investigator
Wei Zhao received her BEng degree from the Department of Electrical Engineering of Tsinghua University in 1989, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She received her M.Sc. degree in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto in 1993, and Ph.D. degree from the same department in 1997. She is currently a Professor of Radiology in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Her research work in the past has focused on the investigation of amorphous selenium (a-Se) flat-panel detectors for radiography and fluoroscopy. She has also worked on the development of cesium iodide (CsI) based flat-panel detectors for medical imaging. Her current research interests focus on the feasibility of indirect flat-panel detectors with avalanche gain for low dose (down to a single photon) imaging applications. She is also investigating the optimization of imaging system geometry and flat-panel detector performance for digital tomosynthesis of the breast.
Selected Publications
Refereed Publications
- J. R. Scheuermann, A. Howansky, M. Hansroul, S. Leveille, K. Tanioka, W. Zhao, “Towards Scintillator High-Gain Avalanche Rushing Photoconductor Active Matrix Flat Panel Imager (SHARP-AMFPI): Initial Fabrication and Characterization”, Med. Phys. 45, 794-802 (2018). doi:10.1002/mp.12693
- D. A. Scaduto, O. Tousignant, W. Zhao, “Experimental characterization of a direct conversion amorphous selenium detector with thicker conversion layer for dual-energy contrast-enhanced breast imaging”, Med. Phys. 44, 3965-3977 (2017). doi:10.1002/mp.12358
- A. Howansky, B. Peng, A. R. Lubinsky, W. Zhao, “Deriving depth-dependent light escape efficiency and optical Swank factor from measured pulse height spectra of scintillators”, Med. Phys. 44, 847-860 (2016). doi:10.1002/mp.12083
- A. H. Goldan, C. Li, S. J. Pennycook, J. Schneider, A. Blom, W. Zhao, “Molecular structure of vapor-deposited amorphous selenium,” J. Appl. Phys. 120, 135101 (2016). doi:10.1063/1.4962315
- J. R. Scheuermann, Y. Miranda, H. Liu, W. Zhao, “Charge transport model in solid-state avalanche amorphous selenium and defect suppresion design,” J. Appl. Phys. 119, 024508 (2016). doi:10.1063/1.4939602
- Y. Lu, B. Peng, B. A. Lau, Y.-H. Hu, D. A. Scaduto, W. Zhao, G. Gindi, “A scatter correction method for contrast-enhanced dual-energy digital breast tomosynthesis,” Phys. Med. Bio. 60, 6323-6354 (2015). doi:10.1088/0031-9155/60/16/6323
- J. R. Scheuermann, A. H. Goldan, O. Tousignant, S. Leveille, W. Zhao, “Development of solid-state avalanche amorphous selenium for medical imaging,” Med. Phys. 42, 1223-1226 (2015). doi:10.1118/1.4907971
- Y.-H. Hu, W. Zhao, “The effect of amorphous selenium detector thickness on dual-energy digital breast imaging,” Med. Phys. 41, 111904 (2014). doi:10.1118/1.4897244
- A. H. Goldan, W. Zhao, “A field-shaping multi-well avalanche detector for direct conversion amorphous selenium,” Med. Phys. 40, 010702 (2013). doi:10.1118/1.4769110
- M. Wronski, W. Zhao, K. Tanioka, G. DeCrescenzo, J.A. Rowlands, “Scintillator high-gain avalanche rushing photoconductor active-matrix flat panel imager: Zero-spatial frequency x-ray imaging properties of the solid-state SHARP sensor structure,” Med. Phys. 39, 7102-7109 (2012). doi:10.1118/1.4760989
- Y.-H. Hu and W. Zhao, “The effect of angular dose distribution on the detection of microcalcifications in digital breast tomosynthesis”, Med. Phys. 38, 2455-2466 (2011). doi:10.1118/1.3570580
- M. Wronski, W. Zhao, et. al., “A solid-state amorphous selenium avalanche technology for low photon flux imaging applications”, Med. Phys. 37, 4982-4985 (2010). doi:10.1118/1.3483096
- D. Li, W. Zhao, M. Nanba, and Norifomi Egami, “Scintillator avalanche photoconductor with high resolution emitter readout for low dose x-ray imaging: Lag”, Med. Phys. 36, 4047 – 4058 (2009). doi:10.1118/1.3187227
- B. Zhao, J. Zhou, Y.-H. Hu, T. Mertelmeier, J. Lugwig and W. Zhao, “Experimental validation of a three-dimensional linear system model for breast tomosynthesis,” Med. Phys. 36, 240-251 (2009). doi:10.1118/1.3040178
- B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “A Three-dimensional Linear System Model for Digital Breast Tomosynthesis”, Med. Phys. 35, 5219-5232 (2008). doi:10.1118/1.3040178
- Y.-H. Hu, B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “Image artifacts in digital breast tomosynthesis: Investigation of the effects of system geometry and reconstruction parameters using a linear system approach”, Med. Phys. 35, 5242-5252 (2008). doi:10.1118/1.2996110
- D. Li and W. Zhao, “SAPHIRE (Scintillator Avalanche Photoconductor with High Resolution Emitter readout) for low dose x-ray imaging: Spatial resolution”, Med. Phys. 35, 3151-3161 (2008). doi:10.1118/1.2937652
- B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “Imaging performance of an amorphous selenium digital mammography detector in a breast tomosynthesis system”, Med. Phys. 35, 1978-1987 (2008). doi:10.1118/1.2903425
- J. Zhou, B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “A computer simulation platform for the optimization of a breast tomosynthesis system”, Med. Phys. 34, 1098-1109 (2007). doi:10.1118/1.2558160
- J. A. Segui and W. Zhao, “Amorphous selenium flat panel detectors for digital mammography: Validation of a NPWE model observer with CDMAM observer performance experiments” Med. Phys. 33, 3711-3722 (2006). doi:10.1118/1.2349689
- A. Reznik, B. J. M. Lui, Y. Ohkawa, T. Matsubara, K. Miyakawa, M. Kubota, K. Tanioka, T. Kawai, W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “The quantum efficiency of photo-charge generation in a-Se avalanche photodetectors”, Nuclear Instrument and Methods A 567, 93-95 (2006). doi:10.1016/j.nima.2006.05.116
- A. R. Lubinsky, W. Zhao, G. Ristic and J. A. Rowlands, “Screen optics effects on detective quantum efficiency in digital radiography: Zero-frequency effects”, Med. Phys. 33, 1499-1509 (2006). doi:10.1118/1.2188082
- W. Zhao, D. Li, Alla Reznik, B. J. M. Lui, D. C. Hunt, J. A. Rowlands, Y. Ohkawa and K. Tanioka, “Indirect flat-panel detector with avalanche gain: Fundamental feasibility investigation for SHARP-AMFPI (Scintillator HARP Active Matrix Flat Panel Imager)”, Med. Phys. 2954-2966 (2005). doi:10.1118/1.2008428
- W. Zhao, D. C. Hunt, K. Tanioka and J. A. Rowlands, “Amorphous selenium flat panel detectors for medical applications”, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 549, 205-209 (2005). doi:10.1016/j.nima.2005.04.053
- B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “Temporal performance of amorphous selenium mammography detectors”, Med. Phys. 32, 128-136 (2005). doi:10.1118/1.1827791
- W. Zhao, G. Ristic and J. A. Rowlands, “Inherent Imaging Performance of Cesium Iodide Scintillators”, Med. Phys. 31, 2594-2605 (2004). doi:10.1118/1.1782676
- W. Zhao, G. DeCrescenzo, S. O. Kasap and J. A. Rowlands, “Ghosting caused by bulk charge trapping in amorphous selenium flat-panel detectors”, Med. Phys. 32, 488-500 (2005). doi:10.1118/1.1843353
- M. Z. Kabir, S.O. Kasap, W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “Direct conversion x-ray imagers: Charge trapping, DQE(0) and MTF” IEE Proceedings in Circuits, Devices and Systems, 150 258-266 (2003)
- W. Zhao, W. G. Ji, A. Debrie and J. A. Rowlands, “Imaging performance of amorphous selenium based flat-panel detectors for digital mammography: Characterization of a small area prototype detector”, Med. Phys. 30, 254-263 (2003). doi:10.1118/1.1538233
- M. F. Stone, W. Zhao, B. V. Jacak, P. O’Connor, B. Yu and P. Rehak, “X-ray sensitivity of amorphous selenium for mammography”, Med. Phys. 29, 319-324 (2002). doi:10.1118/1.1449874
- W. Zhao, W. G. Ji and J. A. Rowlands, “Effects of characteristic x rays on the noise power spectra and detective quantum Efficiency of photoconductive x-ray detectors”, Med. Phys. 28, 2039-2049 (2001). doi:10.1118/1.1405845
- N. Matsuura, W. Zhao, Z. Huang and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital radiology using active matrix readout: amplified pixel detector array for fluoroscopy”, Med. Phys. 26, 672-681 (1999). doi:10.1118/1.598572
- W. Zhao, D. Waechter and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital radiology using active matrix readout of amorphous selenium: Radiation hardness of cadmium selenide thin film transistors”, Med. Phys. 25, 527-538 (1998). doi:10.1118/1.598233
- W. Zhao, J. Law, D. Waechter, Z. Huang and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital Radiology Using Active Matrix Readout of Amorphous Selenium: Detectors with High Voltage Protection”, Med. Phys. 25, 539-549 (1998). doi:10.1118/1.598229
- W. G. Ji, W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “X-ray imaging using amorphous selenium: Reduction of aliasing”, Med. Phys. 25, 2148-2162 (1998). doi:10.1118/1.598411
- G. Pang, W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital radiology using active matrix readout of amorphous selenium: Geometrical and effective fill factors”, Med. Phys.. 25, 1636-1646 (1998). doi:10.1118/1.598344
- W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital Radiology Using Active Matrix Readout of Amorphous Selenium: Theoretical Analysis of Detective Quantum Efficiency”, Med. Phys. 24, 1819-1833 (1997). doi:10.1118/1.598097
- W. Zhao, I. Blevis, D. Waechter, Z. Huang and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital Radiology Using Active Matrix Readout of Amorphous Selenium: Construction and Evaluation of a Real-time Prototype Detector”, Med. Phys. 24, 1834-1843 (1997). doi:10.1118/1.598098
- J. A. Rowlands, Wei Zhao, I. Blevis, D. Waechter and Z. Huang, “Flat-panel digital radiology using amorphous selenium and active matrix readout”, RadioGraphics 17, 753-760 (1997).
- D. Waechter, Z. Huang, W. Zhao, I. Blevis and J.A. Rowlands, “Characteristics of dual- gate thin film transistors for applications in digital radiology”, Canadian Journal of Physics 74 (suppl), s685-s688 (1996). doi:10.1139/p96-845
- W. Zhao and J.A. Rowlands, “X-ray imaging using amorphous selenium: Feasibility of a flat panel self-scanned detector for digital radiology”, Med. Phys.22, 1595-1604 (1995). doi:10.1118/1.597628
Conference Proceedings
- A. Howansky, A. R. Lubinsky, S. K. Ghose, K. Suzuki, W. Zhao, “Direct measurement of Lubberts effect in CsI:Tl scintillators using single x-ray photon imaging”, Proc. SPIE 10132, 1013209-1013209-11 (2017).
- J. Stavro, A. H. Goldan, M. Lu, S. Leveille, W. Zhao, “SWAD: transient conductivity and pulse-height spectrum”, Proc. SPIE 10132, 1013208-101308-8 (2017).
- D. A. Scaduto, Y.-H. Hu, Y. Lu, H. Huang, J. Liu, K. Rinaldi, G. Gindi, P. R. Fisher, W. Zhao, “Dependence of contrast-enhanced lesion detection in contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis on imaging chain design”, IWDM, 136-144 (2016).
- J. Stavro, A. H. Goldan, W. Zhao, “SWAD: inherent photon counting performance of amorphous selenium multi-well avalanche detector”, Proc. SPIE 9783, 97833Q-97833Q-8 (2016).
- J. R. Scheuermann, A. Howansky, A. H. Goldan, O. Tousignant, S. Leveille, K. Tanioka, W. Zhao, “Solid-state flat panel imager with avalanche amorphous selenium”, Proc. SPIE 9783, 978317-978317-9 (2016).
- A. Howansky, B. Peng, K. Suzuki, M. Yamashita, A. R. Lubinsky, W. Zhao, “Investigation of the screen optics of thick CsI (Tl) detectors”, Proc. SPIE 9412, 94120G-94120G-12 (2015).
- D. A. Scaduto, M. Yang, J. Ripton-Snyder, P. Fisher, W. Zhao, “Digital breast tomosynthesis with minimal breast compression”, Proc. SPIE 9412, 94121Y-94121Y-12 (2015).
- J. R. Scheuermann, A. H. Goldan, O. Tousignant, S. Leveille, W. Zhao, “Low dose digital x-ray imaging with avalanche amorphous selenium”, Proc. SPIE 9412, 94120E-94120E-9 (2015).
- Y. Lu, B. Peng, D. A. Scaduto, W. Zhao, G. Gindi, “Application of the ordered-subsets transmission reconstruction algorithm to contrast-enhanced dual-energy digital breast tomosynthesis”, IEEE NSS/MIC (2014).
- A. H. Goldan, J. A. Rowlands, M. Lu, W. Zhao, “Nanopattern multi-well avalanche selenium detector with picosecond time resolution”, IEEE NSS/MIC (2014).
- D. A. Scaduto, A. R. Lubinsky, J. A. Rowlands, H. Kenmotsu, N. Nishimoto, T. Nishino, K. Tanioka, W. Zhao, “Investigation of spatial resolution and temporal performance of SAPHIRE (scintillator avalanche photoconductor with high resolution emitter readout) with integrated electrostatic focusing”, Proc. SPIE 9033, 90333S-90333S-9 (2014).
- Y. Lu, B. Lau, Y.-H. Hu, W. Zhao, G. Gindi, “A simple scatter correction method for dual energy contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis” Proc. SPIE 9033, 903344-903344-12 (2014).
- J. A. Rowlands, W. Zhao, (invited), “Towards a digital radiology roadmap”, ECS Trans. 54, 293-303 (2013).
- W. Zhao, J. A. Rowlands, (invited), “Flat-panel x-ray image sensor using thin film transistors and field emitter arrays”, ECS Trans. 54, 305-309 (2013).
- L. Chen, Y. Lu, Y.-H. Hu, W. Zhao, G. Gindi, “Impact of subtraction and reconstruction strategies on dual-energy contrast enhanced breast tomosynthesis with interleaved acquisition”, Proc. SPIE 8668, 866850-866850-8 (2013).
- Y.-H. Hu, D. A. Scaduto and W. Zhao, “Optimization of clinical protocols for contrast enhanced breast imaging,” Proc. SPIE 8668, 86680G-86680G (2013).
- Y.-H. Hu, D. A. Scaduto, W. Zhao, “The effect of amorphous selenium thickness on imaging performance of contrast enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis,” in 11th International Workshop on Breast Imaging, IWDM 2012, July 8, 2012 – July 11, 2012, Vol. 7361 LNCS (Springer Verlag, Philadelphia, PA, United states, 2012), pp. 9-16.
- D. A. Scaduto, W. Zhao, “Determination of system geometrical parameters and consistency between scans for contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis,” in 11th International Workshop on Breast Imaging, IWDM 2012, July 8, 2012 – July 11, 2012, Vol. 7361 LNCS (Springer Verlag, Philadelphia, PA, United states, 2012), pp. 24-31.
- Y. H. Hu and W. Zhao, “Experimental quantification of lesion detectability in contrast enhanced dual energy digital breast tomosynthesis”, Proc. SPIE 8313, 83130A (2012).
- Y.-H. Hu and W. Zhao, “A 3D linear system model for the optimization of dual-energy contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis,” Proc SPIE 7961, 79611C-79619 (2011).
- Y.-H. Hu, M. Masiar, and W. Zhao, “Breast Structural Noise in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Its Dependence on Reconstruction Methods”, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 6136, 598-605 (2010).
- J. Chen, J. Lehnert, P. O’Connor, G. De Geronimo, E. Dolazza, O. Tousignant, L. Laperriere, J. Greenspan, and W. Zhao, ” Feasibility of amorphous selenium based photon counting detectors for digital breast tomosynthesis”, Proc. SPIE 7258, 72581G (2009).
- Y.-H. Hu and W. Zhao, “Nonuniform angular dose distribution in digital breast tomosynthesis for increased conspicuity of small high contrast objects”, Proc. SPIE 7258, 72580Q (2009).
- Y.-H. Hu and W. Zhao, “Image artifact in digital breast tomosynthesis and its dependence on system and reconstruction parameters”, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), v 5116 LNCS, p 628-634, 2008, Digital Mammography – 9th International Workshop, IWDM 2008.
- T. Mertelmeier, J. Ludwig, B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “Optimization of tomosynthesis acquisition parameters”, Angular range and number of projections”, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), v 5116 LNCS, p 220-227, 2008, Digital Mammography – 9th International Workshop, IWDM 2008.
- W. Zhao, D. Li, J. A. Rowlands, N. Egami, Y. Takiguchi, M. Nanba, Y. Honda, Y. Ohkawa, M. Kubota, K. Tanioka, K. Suzuki and T. Kawai, “A indirect flat-panel detector with avalanche gain for low-dose x-ray imaging: SAPHIRE (Selenium Avalanche Photoconductor with High Resolution Emitter readout)”, Proc. SPIE 6913, 69130M (2008).
- A. R. Lubinsky, W. Zhao and K. Suzuki, “Screen optics effects on DQE in digital radiography: Spatial frequency effects”, Proc. SPIE 6913, 69134F (2008).
- D. Li and W. Zhao, “Avalanche Detector with Field Emitter Readout”, Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, pp. 67~68, (2007).
- B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “A three-dimensional linear model for breast tomosynthesis”, Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, pp. 163-164, (2007).
- J. A. Segui and W. Zhao, “Development of a TLM to investigate the effect of a resistive interface in digital flat panel x-ray detectors”, Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, pp. 88-89, (2007).
- W. Zhao, B. Zhao, P. R. Fisher, P. Warmoes, T. Mertelmeier and J. Orman, “Optimization of detector operation and imaging geometry for breast tomosynthesis”, Proc SPIE 6517, 57 (2007).
- J. Lehnert and W. Zhao, “High voltage protection in active matrix flat-panel imagers”, Proc. SPIE 6142, 0S-1-10 (2006).
- K Wang, Y He, H Qin, P. R. Fisher and W. Zhao, “Temporal registration of 2D x-ray mammogram using triangular B-splines finite element method (TBFEM)”, Proc. SPIE 6144, 614436-1 (2006).
- K. Wang, H. Qin, P. R. Fisher, and W. Zhao, “Automatic Registration of Mammograms using Texture-based Anisotropic Features,” Proceedings of 2006 IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging: From Nano to Macro, Arlington, Virginia, USA, April 6-9, 2006.
- W. Zhao, D. Li, A. Reznik, B. J. M. Lui, D. C. Hunt, K. Tanioka and J. A. Rowlands, “Indirect flat-panel detectors with avalanche gain: Design and operation of the avalanche photoconductor”, Proc. SPIE 5745, 352-360 (2005).
- W. Zhao, R. Deych and E. Dolazza, “Optimization of operational conditions for direct digital mammography detectors for digital tomosynthesis”, Proc. SPIE 5745, 1272-1281 (2005).
- J. A. Segui and W. Zhao, “Performance of Direct and Indirect Detection Methods for Digital Mammography”, in Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Digital Mammography, Durham, NC, 2004.
- B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “Lag and ghosting of amorphous selenium mammography detectors”, in Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Digital Mammography, Durham, NC, 2004.
- W. Zhao, D. C. Hunt, K. Tanioka and J. A. Rowlands, “Indirect flat-panel detectors with avalanche gain”, Proc. SPIE 5368, 150-161 (2004).
- W. Zhao, G. Ristic and J. A. Rowlands, “Inherent imaging performance of structured CsI”, Proc. SPIE 5368, 211-220 (2004).
- B. Zhao and W. Zhao, “Characterization of a direct, full-field flat-panel digital mammography detector”, Proc. SPIE 5030, 157-167 (2003).
- W. Zhao, G. DeCrescenzo and J. A. Rowlands, “Investigation of lag and ghosting in a-Se flat-panel detectors”, Proc. SPIE 4682, 9-20 (2002).
- W. Zhao, J. A. Rowlands, W. G. Ji and A. Debrie, “Imaging performance of amorphous selenium based flat-panel detectors for digital mammography”, Proc. SPIE 4320, 536-546 (2000).
- J. A. Rowlands, W. G. Ji and W. Zhao, “Effect of depth dependent modulation transfer function and k-fluorescence reabsorption on the detective quantum efficiency of indirect conversion flat panel x-ray imaging systems using CsI”, Proc. SPIE 4320 (2000)
- W. Zhao, W. G. Ji, J. A. Rowlands and A. Debrie, “Relationship between detector design parameters and imaging performance of amorphous selenium based flat-panel detectors for digital mammography”, to appear in the Proceedings for the 5th International Workshop on Digital Mammography, 2000.
- J. A. Rowlands, W. G. Ji, W. Zhao and D. L. Y. Lee, “Direct-conversion flat-panel x-ray imaging: reduction of noise by presampling filtration”, Proc. SPIE 3977, 446-455 (2000).
- G. Pang, W. Zhao, R. Luhta and J. A. Rowlands, “Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) based on a novel camera with avalanche multiplication”, Proc. SPIE 3336, 195-201 (1998).
- D. C. Hunt, W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “Detective quantum efficiency of direct flat-panel x-ray imaging detectors for fluoroscopy”, Proc. SPIE 3336, 408-417 (1998).
- J. A. Rowlands, W. Zhao, I. Blevis, S. Germann, D. Waechter and Z. Huang, “Flat panel detector for digital radiology using active matrix readout of amorphous selenium”, Medical Imaging 1997: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. SPIE 3032, 97-108 (1997).
- W. Zhao, I. Blevis, S. Germann, J. A. Rowlands, D. Waechter and Z. Huang, “A flat panel detector for digital radiology using active matrix readout of amorphous selenium”, Medical Imaging 1996: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. SPIE 2708, 523-531 (1996).
- W. Zhao, J. A. Rowlands, S. Germann, D. Waechter and Z. Huang, “Digital radiology using self-scanned readout of amorphous selenium: Design considerations for digital mammography”, Medical Imaging 1995: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. SPIE 2432, 250-259 (1995).
- W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “Digital radiology using self-scanned readout of amorphous selenium”, Medical Imaging VII: Imaging Instrumentation, Ed. by R. Shaw, Proc. SPIE 1896, 114-120 (1993).
- W. Zhao and J. A. Rowlands, “A large area solid-state detector for radiology using amorphous selenium”, Medical Imaging VI: Imaging Instrumentation, Ed. by: R. Shaw, Proc. SPIE 1651, 134-143 (1992).