A stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system: Design simulation, characterization and image reconstruction

Conventional screen-film and/or digital mammography, despite being the most popular breast imaging modalities, suffer from certain limitations, most important of which is tissue overlap and false diagnoses arising thereof. A new three-dimensional alternative for breast cancer screening and diagnosis is tomosynthesis in which a limited number of low-dose two-dimensional projection images of a patient are used to reconstruct the three-dimensional tissue information. The tomosynthesis systems currently under development all incorporate an x-ray source that moves over a certain angle to acquire images. This tube motion is a major limitation because it degrades image quality, increases the scan time and causes prolonged patient discomfort. The availability of independently controllable carbon nanotube cathodes enabled us to explore the possibility of setting up a stationary multi-beam imaging system. In this dissertation we have proposed a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis scanner using spatially distributed carbon nanotube based field emission x-ray sources. We have presented details about the design, set-up, characterization and image reconstruction of the completely stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system. This system has the potential to reduce the total scan time and improve the image quality in breast imaging.;Extensive design simulation results have been used to decide on the final system set-up. The fully assembled actual experimental system is capable of acquiring all the images in as little as eight seconds and yield superior image quality as well. The system has been completely characterized in terms of focal spot size, system resolution and geometric calibration. Certain important results have been obtained during the process that we hope will set the standard for the characterization of the future systems. A novel iterative reconstruction algorithm has been tried on the projection images obtained from the tomosynthesis system. Our algorithm has demonstrated image quality that is on par with the other tomosynthesis systems under development.