A feasibility study of a hybrid photodiode array, cCD as a direct-conversion x-ray image detector for digital mammography

grantor: University of TorontoEarly detection of breast cancer can potentially reduce both mortality and morbidity resulting from breast cancer. Because of certain technical limitations, film-screen mammography is not an optimal method for the detection of all types of breast cancer. This thesis is a study of a hybrid photodiode array--CCD, used as a direct-conversion x-ray image detector. Its feasibility as a digital mammography detector is investigated. Preliminary experimental results obtained from prototype devices are presented, and a detailed analysis is performed using a mathematical model of signal and noise propagation. The experimental and modeling results are used to optimize the photodiode and CCD design, and predict the performance of the proposed detector.M.Sc