X-ray Space Technology Transfer for Improved Mammography Screening

Breast imaging using monochromatic x-rays promises lower doses and better image quality relative to conventional approaches. Currently, the broad-energy spectrum emitted by an x-ray tube is degrading performance due to beam hardening, i.e., low energy x-rays are predominantly absorbed by the tissue, increasing dose, while high energy x-rays pass through the tissue unattenuated, decreasing image contrast. It has been suggested that the use of coated mirrors capable of mono-chromating x-ray hard spectra has the capability of reducing ionizing radiation exposure while also improving image quality during x-ray medical screening procedures. This research study is centered around screening for breast cancer using Digital Mammography (DM) techniques. We present a simplified prototype system developed at DTU Space and implemented to validate a Wolter telescope design. The experimental setup consists of a source up to 40 keV, a high resolution roto-translation mechanical support and an advanced high resolution (55 micron), energy-sensitive Si detector with quantum efficiency (13.78% @22 keV). For testing, phantom objects will be used as samples, allowing for a realistic assessment of the use of space technology for breast screening. In this work, experimental measurements of absorbed dose reduction and contrast-to-noise are reported.