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Atlanta, GA – A groundbreaking advancement in thermal imaging technology developed by biomedical engineers at Georgia Tech could pave the way for a simple, highly accurate method of tracking vital signs and detecting diseases like cancer. The innovative system allows for precise, non-contact measurement of physiological data, including respiration and heart rate, as well as body temperature.
Researchers have overcome the limitations of conventional thermal imaging by developing a system for collecting and processing thermal images that provides reliable, detailed measurements. Their approach is entirely passive, requiring no physical contact with the subject.
The key to this breakthrough lies in the system’s ability to eliminate the “fuzziness” inherent in typical thermal images. By employing a technique called thermal phasor analysis, the researchers have effectively sharpened the texture and detail extracted from the images while minimizing the impact of environmental heat.
“This could be a cornerstone for future broad biomedical diagnosis,” said Dingding Han, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. “With this phasor thermographic technology, we can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of thermal imaging to detect abnormalities. Phasor thermography has the capability of getting material segmentation, which is not possible with only pure thermal imaging.”
Published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, the study details how the researchers used a series of filters to capture 10 images across the long-wavelength infrared spectrum. These images were then processed using thermal phasor analysis, a mathematical tool that resolved textures smaller than a millimeter. This level of detail allowed for the clear differentiation of fine thermal variations, such as facial skin, hair, and even the metal rims of eyeglasses.
In their experiments, the team successfully measured heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature from multiple body locations. They also demonstrated the system’s ability to differentiate vital signs in multi-person scenes and accurately track changes in respiration rate before and after exercise.
“We used a thermal camera and the filters to get the hyperspectral image data. So, it’s scalable,” Han said. “You could integrate this setup into virtually any thermal imaging platform.”
The researchers believe this technology holds significant potential for early disease detection, particularly for conditions like cancer. Tumor cells, which require more oxygen to reproduce, exhibit slightly higher temperatures than normal tissue. The system’s ability to detect these subtle temperature variations could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Han is currently working to further develop the prototype system and explore its application in breast cancer detection. “Thermography could give us an advantage in early detection, because it could noninvasively detect abnormal cell activity that indicates early cancer,” she explained.
The team, including senior author Shu Jia and co-authors Corey Zheng and Zhi Ling, envisions this technology as the foundation for the next generation of biomedical thermography.
“This can be the first step for the next generation of biomedical thermography for early detection and diagnosis of cancer. That’s what I’m working toward,” Han said. “It’s the first prototype with an ultimate goal of evolving the next versions and making it easier to use in hospitals and clinics.”
More information: Dingding Han et al, Hyperspectral phasor thermography, Cell Reports Physical Science (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102501
Journal information: Cell Reports Physical Science
Provided by Georgia Institute of Technology
Disclaimer: While the research presented shows promising results, further clinical trials and validation are necessary before this technology can be widely adopted for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
