Traditionally X-ray sources used in mammography are X-ray tubes. Synchrotron radiation sources have shown better imaging performances, but they cannot replace conventional X-ray tube systems in routine mammographic examinations. A new generation of quasi-monochromatic, high-flux X-ray sources is currently under development, based on Thomson backscattering of photons produced by a laser on a highly focused electron beam. They offer important potential applications in the medical field. In this work, we will discuss an application in the field of mammography, by using a Monte Carlo code, in which the effect of different spectral distributions and different mean energies on the image quality is studied. A test object, consisting of a block of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) containing air-filled holes (Contrast Detail Phantom) is used for the simulations. Results show 1-2 keV of energy spread for a quasi-monochromatic source produce images whose quality is comparable within 3-4% with those obtained by monochromatic sources and whose visibility is dramatically enhanced with respect to images obtained with X-ray tubes.

Effect of different spectral distributions to image a contrast detail phantom in the mammography energy range / U. Bottigli, B. Golosio, G.L. Masala, P. Oliva, S. Stumbo, A. Bravin, A. Bacci, L. Serafini, C. Maroli, V. Petrillo, M. Ferrario, C. Vaccarezza. - In: IL NUOVO CIMENTO DELLA SOCIETÀ ITALIANA DI FISICA. C, GEOPHYSICS AND SPACE PHYSICS. - ISSN 1124-1896. - 29:2(2006), pp. 215-228.

Effect of different spectral distributions to image a contrast detail phantom in the mammography energy range

C. Maroli;V. Petrillo;
2006

Abstract

Traditionally X-ray sources used in mammography are X-ray tubes. Synchrotron radiation sources have shown better imaging performances, but they cannot replace conventional X-ray tube systems in routine mammographic examinations. A new generation of quasi-monochromatic, high-flux X-ray sources is currently under development, based on Thomson backscattering of photons produced by a laser on a highly focused electron beam. They offer important potential applications in the medical field. In this work, we will discuss an application in the field of mammography, by using a Monte Carlo code, in which the effect of different spectral distributions and different mean energies on the image quality is studied. A test object, consisting of a block of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) containing air-filled holes (Contrast Detail Phantom) is used for the simulations. Results show 1-2 keV of energy spread for a quasi-monochromatic source produce images whose quality is comparable within 3-4% with those obtained by monochromatic sources and whose visibility is dramatically enhanced with respect to images obtained with X-ray tubes.
Settore FIS/03 - Fisica della Materia
2006
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/40974
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