Investigation of Capillary X-Ray Optics for Potential Use in Mammography.

The quality of mammograms have been limited in contrast by the large fraction of scattered photons and in resolution by the geometric unsharpness determined by the finite x-ray focal spot size. Conventional scatter rejection grids are less than optimal. This dissertation performs feasibility calculations, computer simulations and measurements of the relevant parameters of Kumakhov capillary optics for use in mammography. Kumakhov capillary optics, small bundles of hollow capillary tubes, make use of the nearly total external reflection of x-rays in a manner analogous to conventional fiber optics. It is found that focused capillary arrays of these optics used in place of conventional scatter-reduction grids would give near complete scatter rejection and would enhance spatial resolution through magnification techniques.