Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is low-frequency tomographic imaging techniques. In mathematical terms, the problem of ECT reconstruction from sparse capacitance measurements on a boundary, is that of recovering the conductivity and permittivity coefficients in a system of elliptic partial differential equations defined over a (semi-)closed domain, given partial knowledge of the Cauchy data, i.e. Dirichlet-to-Neumann map. The aim of my research is to develop pertinent answers to some theoretical aspects of solving this nonlinear boundary value problem in the specific case of linear electrode arrays, as well as to address numerical issues arising in a wide range of real world applications. Multi-physics modelling, encompassing both charge displacement and conductivity phenomena, and involving very realistic simulation models incorporating frequency dispersive electrical material properties, is an integral and consistent part of this research.

Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is a non-intrusive, non-invasive, low-frequency tomographic imaging techniques that can be deployed in (semi-) closed, non-conductive environments. My research is concerned on the one hand with some pertinent theoretical issues related to the solution of the underlying nonlinear inverse problems, and on the other hand addresses numerical issues associated with some very diverse applications in which use is made on linear sensor arrays. Applications covered range from security (though wall imaging), over automotive, up to medical imaging (thorax imaging and dental caries detection).

Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is a contact free electrical imaging technology that allows to visualize the internal structures of various objects and processes, and which works by the principle of measuring tiny charges on the surface of an object, induced by applying small voltages over a set of measurement pads. The tomographic imaging capabilities of ECT are particularly interesting as they do not require the object to be conductive, do not require direct measurement contact, nor involve the radiation hazards of many radiographic methods. For this reason ECT is particularly suitable for long term monitoring in medical applications, but also finds usage in very diverse technical, industrial, and even security applications.