SYRMEP: SR digital imaging of breast tissue samples

The SYRMEP (SYnchrotron Radiation for MEdical Physics) imaging system is based on the combination of a monochromatic laminar X-ray beam, with a laminar high-efficiency pixel silicon detector. The use of synchrotron radiation X-rays has the advantage of minimising the radiation dose delivered to the sample because it is possible to choose the best energy for the considered radiological examination. The high efficiency of the detector (about 90% in 18-28 keV energy range) also lowers this dose figure. Since the detector is capable of single-photon counting, the information contained in the beam is fully exploited, leading to high contrast resolution. The present phase of the SYRMEP project involves a systematic study of in vitro breast tissue samples. The same samples are then imaged by means of a conventional mammographic Mo anode tube used in the common diagnostic practice and recorded on film/screen system. The comparison of the two imaging modalities shows the advantages, with special regard to contrast resolution, of the SYRMEP imaging system compared with conventional film-screen devices.