The Effect of X-Ray Spectra from Molybdenum and Tungsten Target Tubes on Image Quality in Mammography

Abstract

The measured x-ray spectra from a Mo anode Senographe mammography unit and W anode unit were used to calculate the x-ray energy spectra transmitted through various thicknesses of fat and water (breast-equivalent materials). The dependence of subject contrast and patient exposure on x-ray spectra, attenuation properties of 2 breast-equivalent materials and thickness of breast-equivalent material was predicted. Radiographs of resected breast tissue confirmed these preditions and demonstrated the general relative effects of x-ray beam quality on image contrast in mammography.