Highlights
- •We developed USAXS imaging using a Laue-case analyzer.
- •We acquired USAXS images of breast tumor specimens.
- •USAXS imaging can extract closely packed scattering bodies in a specimen.
- •Sensitivity can be controlled by changing the threshold level of the rocking curve.
- •A fusion image is useful for studying USAXS image.
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, we demonstrate a novel imaging technique, based on ultra-small-angle
X-ray scattering (USAXS) that uses a Laue-case Si wafer as the angle analyzer. Methods:
We utilized the (1 1 1) diffraction plane of a 356 μm thick, symmetrically cut Si
wafer as the angle analyzer, denoted by A[L]. With this device, we performed USAXS
imaging experiments using 19.8 keV synchrotron X-rays. The objects we imaged were
formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast tumors (an invasive carcinoma and an intraductal
papilloma). During image acquisition by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, we varied
the rotation angle of the analyzer in 0.02″ steps from −2.40″ to +2.40″ around the
Bragg angle. The exposure time for each image was 2 s. We determined the amount of
ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering from the width of the intensity curve obtained
for each local pixel during the rotation of the analyzer. Results: We acquired USAXS
images of malignant and benign breast tumor specimens using the A[L] analyzer; regions
with larger USAXS form brighter areas in the image. We varied the sensitivity of the
USAXS image by changing the threshold level of the object rocking curve. Conclusions:
The USAXS images can provide information about the internal distribution of closely
packed scattering bodies in a sample with reasonable sensitivity. This information
differs from that obtainable through refraction-contrast imaging. Although further
validation studies will be necessary, we conclude that USAXS imaging using a Laue-case
analyzer may have significant potential as a new diagnosis technique.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 04, 2017
Accepted:
October 21,
2017
Received in revised form:
September 9,
2017
Received:
March 30,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
