Investigation of transmolybdenum fluorescent anodes for mammography
Recent work has suggested a new approach to film/screen mammography through the use of transmolybdenum (Z > 42) fluorescent anodes. An experimental rhodium (Z = 45) anode with K emission at 20.0 - 23.2 keV has been compared to a conventional molybdenum anode. Previous spectral measurements have indicated a dose advantage for the Rh anode but no comparison of contrast has been made. A series of step wedges of different materials was imaged at several kVp and for several phantom thicknesses. The resulting data permits quantitative comparison of the radiographic contrast. At 40 kVp for an equivalent tissue thickness of 4.8 cm the radiographic contrast provided by the Rh anode is at least equal to and under some conditions actually superior to that provided by a Mo anode. © 1980 SPIE.