Mammographic phantom studies with synchrotron radiation.

PURPOSE

To explore the potential improvement in image contrast for breast imaging with use of monoenergetic photons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The x-ray energy available from the National Synchrotron Light Source is from 5 to over 50 keV. A specific energy is selected with a tunable crystal monochromator. The object is scanned with a narrow beam of 80.0 x 0.5 mm. Mammography phantoms were imaged with plate and film as the imaging detectors. Phantom images were obtained at 16-24 keV and compared with images obtained with a conventional mammographic unit.

RESULTS

Preliminary findings indicate improved image contrast of the monoenergetic images compared with that obtained from the conventional x-ray source, particularly at 18 keV and below.

CONCLUSION

Pilot results are encouraging, and the authors presently continue to explore monoenergetic photon imaging with improved instrumentation, scatter rejection, and use of tissue samples.