Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science
Imaging Science is an Interdisciplinary field combining computer science, engineering, and physics to explore image creation, perception, and analysis.
The Carlson Center for Imaging Science is dedicated to producing the next generation of researchers and innovators to apply imaging science in research, environmental service, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and national security. From their very first day, our undergraduate students engage in hands-on initiatives like the Freshman Imaging Project, gaining exposure to diverse areas of imaging science research. High school students can also get a head start through our Imaging Science Summer Internship, a paid opportunity to work alongside researchers on real-world projects.
Our strong industry partnerships, including the RIT Imaging Science Industrial Associates Program, further enhance innovation and provide students with valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. As one of RIT's New Economy Majors—dynamic, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking—Imaging Science ensures favorable outcomes and adapts to the ever-evolving demands of the modern economy.
1st
Imaging science program in the U.S. and currently the only formal imaging science program in the nation
20%
of institute research funds flow through the Center
$5.5M
Research expenditures for FY24
Latest News
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July 9, 2025
Postal inspectors warn of rise in fake postage sold online
WHEC-TV speaks to David Messinger, professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, about the differences between real and counterfeit stamps.
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June 12, 2025
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever created
USA Today features Associate Professor Jeyhan Kartaltepe and the COSMOS-Web team. The international research group publicly released the largest look ever at the universe.
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June 10, 2025
Largest-ever map of the universe reveals 800,000 galaxies
Earth.com reports on the COSMOS-Web data release, co-led by Associate Professor Jeyhan Kartaltepe, which reveals the largest and most detailed map of the universe ever.
Research
The Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics fosters the utilization and advancement of cutting-edge techniques in multiwavelength astrophysics by RIT faculty, research staff, and students, so as to improve human understanding of the origin and fate of the universe and its constituents.
Research Active Faculty:
Faculty working on cultural heritage imaging develop novel imaging systems and algorithms to analyze historical artifacts around the world. Research is primarily focused on multi- and hyperspectral imaging, but also includes imaging modalities such as reflectance transformation imaging and X-ray fluorescence. An active area of research is also the development of novel 3D visualization tools for scholars to interact with the digital artifacts after image collection and processing.
Research Active Faculty:
Research in this area focuses on the development of novel imaging systems, primarily for astronomical applications. Significant research has been conducted on the use of Digital Micro-mirror Devices in multi-object spectrometers for astronomical imaging systems. Additional work has focused on random apertures for extremely large space-based telescopes and vortex coronagraph imaging systems. Additional work in optical systems includes research into the use of ultrafast lasers for the development of novel photonic detectors and other surface polishing applications.
Research Active Faculty:
The Multidisciplinary Vision Research Laboratory combines expertise in eye tracking instrumentation, cognitive science knowledge of the human visual system, and computer vision to understand how the eye-brain system works, as well as how to leverage that knowledge into novel computer vision systems. The research is supported by the PerForM (Perception For Movement) Lab with both full motion capture and multiple AR/VR system capabilities. Additionally, active research into computer vision and deep learning approaches for applications from 3D scene understanding to active learning frameworks are ongoing.
Research Active Faculty:
RIT’s Center for Imaging Science is at the cutting edge of Machine Learning and Computer Vision research. Our faculty's work spans both theoretical and applied research, driving advancements in robust and trustworthy machine learning, continual and lifelong learning, data stream mining, concept drift adaptation, and bias mitigation. In applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), our focus includes remote sensing, medical imaging, UAVs, autonomous vehicles, cultural heritage preservation, and optics.
Research Active Faculty:
The center is the home to the Magnetic Resonance Laboratory devoted to solving real-world problems with magnetic resonance. The laboratory has several pieces of specialized magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation on the RIT campus. Among these are a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer with micro-imaging accessory, a low-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (LFEPR) spectrometer, an Overhauser magnetometer with a base station, a three-axis magnetometer, and a radio frequency imaging coil test bridge.
Research Active Faculty:
There is active work within the center in nanoimaging through the use of electron microscopy. The NanoImaging Lab is home to four electron microscopes (2 SEMs & 2 TEMs) and focuses on two major research themes. First, using imaging science to improve the performance of electron microscopes computationally. This includes the point spread function determination, electron optics modeling, image restoration, and deconvolution research. Second, in this laboratory, we use the tools of imaging science to characterize materials at the micro-and nanoscale, using electron microscopy.
Research Active Faculty:
We conduct applied optics research in the use of optics from the smallest scales to the largest. This includes the Optical Vortex Laboratory and the Advanced Optical Fabrication, Instrumentation, and Metrology Laboratory (AOFIM Lab).
Research Active Faculty:
The Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Laboratory (DIRS) is world-renown for its expertise in remote sensing systems, algorithms, and applications. Their work encompasses novel system design and calibration for NASA Earth-observing satellites to the development of imaging systems to fly on small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for precision agriculture. Additionally, the DIRSIG software developed and maintained by the DIRS laboratory is the industry standard to simulate remotely sensed imagery and is used for both system engineering trade studies as well as a source of training data for deep learning algorithmic frameworks.
Research Active Faculty:
Research Faculty:
Featured Work and Profiles
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RIT scientist helps explore mysterious shadow play around planet-forming disk
Professor Joel Kastner is part of a new Hubble Space Telescope study examining TW Hydrae.
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From Summer Intern to Imaging Scientist at Imatest, LLC
The decision to change majors led Meg Borek ‘22 to an internship that developed into a full-time position with Imatest, LLC.
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A Summer of Augmented Reality and 3D Software Experience
During his summer internship, RIT imaging science student, Mason Wahlers, gained valuable corporate experience while using augmented reality in the Emerging Technologies group at Corning, Inc.
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Assessing the Quality of Reconnaissance Images at Collins Aerospace
RIT imaging science student, Zoë Lalena, gained valuable experience assessing reconnaissance images while improving her coding skills during a summer internship at Collins Aerospace.
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Developing Algorithms for Collecting and Processing Satellite Imagery
As a research assistant, Gabriel Peters develops algorithms to collect, organize, and process image data from Landsat satellites in the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Laboratory at RIT.
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Imaging Science Degree Applied to a Growing List of Industries
Imergen Rosario, an RIT Imaging Science student, added cosmetics to the growing list of industries she has applied her degree to, which also includes remote sensing and psychophysics.
Read More about Imaging Science Degree Applied to a Growing List of Industries
Undergraduate Programs
Many students choose the Bachelor of Science in imaging science because of its multidisciplinary nature. It is particularly attractive to students who enjoy science, engineering, computing, and math and are searching for careers that apply their unique interests. The program also applies science and engineering concepts to the study of photography and digital media, which have a long tradition at RIT.
Imaging science offers an ideal mix of disciplines while promising a well-rounded and highly marketable degree. Imaging scientists do research in optics, computer vision, machine learning, remote sensing, nano-imaging, biomedical imaging, and historical document imaging.
A unique and valuable part of the imaging science program is its Freshman Imaging Project.
Graduate Programs
The Master of Science and Ph.D. imaging science programs emphasize a systems approach to the study of imaging science and prepares you for careers in research, product development, and management in the imaging industry. Through extensive, hands-on research, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet available academic, industrial, and governmental careers.
Would you like to support the future of Imaging Science?
Your gift helps the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science advance student success, attract top faculty, and maintain cutting-edge academic programs. You can also make a direct impact by contributing to the Willem Brouwer Endowed Fellowship, which supports students in the Imaging Science Ph.D. program.