Acknowledgements:

The developed imaging system supports three distinct classes of measures: 9 Optical data using high-density optode arrangements (32 sources and 64 detectors). 9 Applied force using 16 semiconductor strain gauges. 9 Breast shape and tissue deformation during mechanical provocations. Fig. 1 shows schematics and a photograph of the developed optomechanical system. Mechanical measures are achieved using a feedback-controlled articulation assembly that can effect measures of creep and stress relaxation. Individual control of each articulating element supports a wide array of applied force maneuvers involving full, partial, wave-like or vibratory compression protocols. Fig. 2 is a functional diagram of the imager. A TTL signal generated from the optical switch controller (inset 3) is used to encode the position of the optical switch, control the gain level in the detection boards, and synchronize the operation of the system controller (1) and the articulating sensing head controller (2). Fig. 3 is a close-up view of one of the sensing heads used for simultaneous bilatera