Abstract:
The development of an optimal x-ray beam for dual-mode emission and transmission mammotomography for evaluation of breast lesions is discussed. The idealized operating parameters for the quasi-monochromatic beam were determined by evaluating a beam hardening figure of merit (FOM) along with quantitative spectral characteristics. Filters with atomic numbers (Z) from 51-65 with 10th to 1000th value attenuating layer thicknesses were modeled, while considering the tube loading limitations. Results show that using a tungsten target, increased tube potential and infiltration can yield minimal beam hardening with improved exposure efficiency and contrast for various thicknesses of uncompressed breasts.
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