Researcher in Computational Optics and Imaging Techniques
Researcher in Computational Optics and Imaging Techniques
I am Manuel Ballester, currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Computer Science at Northwestern University. My research is primarily carried out in the Image and Video Processing Lab (IVPL), where I have the privilege of being guided by Prof. Katsaggelos. Additionally, I am actively collaborating with the Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement (3DIM) group led by Prof. Willomitzer. My academic background is rooted in mathematics, physics, and computer sciences. I am particularly invested in applying optimization techniques and machine learning methodologies to various complex problems of modern optics.
My research primarily revolves around computational optics and imaging techniques. The key projects that I am involved in include:
1. Enhancement of High-Energy Radiation Detectors for Medical Imaging Devices: Through the application of optimization and machine learning techniques, this project aims to characterize semiconductor detectors and compensate for defects precisely. This work is crucial for enhancing the quality of medical imaging.
2. Optical Characterization of Semiconductor Thin Films Using Spectroscopic Techniques: This project focuses on employing spectroscopic methods for the optical characterization of semiconductor thin films. The insights gained from this study are instrumental in developing highly efficient solar cells, advancing LCD technologies, and enhancing the performance of optical sensors.
3. Development of Advanced Cameras for 3D Object Reconstruction: This project entails designing and developing Time-of-Flight interferometric cameras with the specialized capability of reconstructing the depth map of small-scale dynamic objects with sub-millimeter precision. Particular emphasis is placed on reconstructing objects obscured or "hidden" behind quasi-opaque materials, such as human tissues. The implications of this research are significant, as it has the potential to improve the capabilities of medical imaging systems substantially.
4. Display of 3D Holographic Videos in Cutting-Edge Headset Designs: Investigating computational algorithms and setup designs for state-of-the-art Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) headsets based on digital holography utilizing Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) technologies. These headsets can potentially display high-quality 3D videos in real time and find diverse applications in education, medicine, and entertainment.
Northwestern University, Computer Sciences department (USA) - Predoctoral researcher at the Computational Photography Lab. Research in digital holography, both experimentally and performing simulations.
University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany) - Teacher Assistant in Functional Analysis for Engineers, during the Winter Semester, for the Master's degree in Computation Engineering.
MTA (Hungarian Academy of Sciences) - Erasmus Practice: Research about machine learning techniques in Optical Ellipsometry.
University of Cadiz - Student Collaborator in the Department of Condensed Matter Physics. Researching in Optical Characterization of Dielectric Thin Films.
Ph.D. Candidate in Computer Sciences (Northwestern University)
MSc Advanced Optical Technologies (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)
Majors in Physics of Light and Computational Optics
TA assistant in "Functional Analysis for Engineers" during Winter Semester, 2019.
DAAD scholarship awarded to carry out my master's thesis at Northwestern University
BSc Mathematics (University of Cadiz)
Major in Mathematical Engineering
Student collaborator during 3 academic years, research in Optics.
Spanish national scholarship awarded to study at Salamanca University, academic course 2016/17.
Erasmus Practice scholarship awarded to do research in Optics at the MTA (Hungarian Academy of Sciences)
Publications (Google Scholar link)