Low-dose, phase-contrast mammography with high signal-to-noise ratio

• DOI: 10.1364/boe.7.000381
• Publication Date: 2016-01-07T18:49:58Z
• Authors: Lukas B. Gromann; Dirk Bequé; Kai Scherer; Konstantin Willer; Lorenz Birnbacher; Marian Willner; Julia Herzen; Susanne Grandl; Karin Hellerhoff; Jonathan I. Sperl; Franz Pfeiffer; Cristina Cozzini
• Keywords: Visibility; Talbot effect; Contrast-to-noise ratio

Differential phase-contrast X-ray imaging using a Talbot-Lau interferometer has recently shown promising results for applications in medical imaging. However, reducing the applied radiation dose remains major challenge. In this study, we consider realization of high Talbot order to increase signal-to-noise ratio low-dose applications. The quantitative performance π and π/2 systems at orders is analyzed through simulations, design energy spectrum are optimized mammography. It found that operation even very feasible beneficial image quality. As long as matched visibility spectrum, SNR continuously increases with π-systems. We find optimal spectra energies almost independent overall robust against small variations these parameters. Discontinuous spectra, such from molybdenum, less because characteristic lines may coincide minima spectra; however, they offer slightly better performance. verify hypothesis by realizing prototype system mean fringe above 40% seventh order. With prototype, proof-of-principle measurement freshly dissected breast reasonable compression 4 cm conducted glandular only 3 mGy but SNR.