Dual-wavelength time-resolved optical mammograph for clinical studies

An instrument for time resolved optical mammography working in the compressed breast geometry was constructed. The system operates with pulsed laser sources emitting simultaneously at two different wavelengths.. Time-correlated single-photon counting is used for acquisition. The breast is slightly compressed between two plates and scanned along the X and Y directions. Continuous acquisition and on line display of the processed images permit optimal measurement efficiency and control of the operation. Phantom tests and preliminary in vivo measurements on healthy volunteers demonstrate capability to distinguish between scattering and absorption contributions, as well as discrimination of key breast structures. The equipment is about to be tested in a clinical study on time-resolved optical mammography.