Abstract

An instrument for time-resolved optical mammography was constructed and is effectively used in a clinical study. The system operates with pulsed laser sources emitting simultaneously at four different wavelengths at 671, 795, 912 and 973 nm. The breast is slightly compressed between two plates and scanned along the X and Y directions. Time-correlated single-photon counting is used for acquisition. Continuous acquisition and on line display of the processed images permit optimal measurement efficiency and control of the operation. The first in vivo time-resolved optical mammograms acquired at wavelengths longer than 900 nm are presented. Preliminary measurements on patients demonstrate capability to distinguish between scattering and absorption contributions, as well as discrimination of key breast structures.

© 2002 Optical Society of America