Breast tissue contrast-simulating materials using energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction

Breast lesions and normal tissues have different molecular arrangements that affect their diffraction patterns. Different mouldable and non-mouldable materials were analysed using an energy dispersive X-ray diffraction system based on a conventional X-ray source (operated at 70 kVp) and a CdTe detector (Amptek XT-100), including a conventional spectroscopic chain. Combinations of materials were identified to have a contrast comparable to that achieved in diffraction imaging for different breast tissues at the momentum transfer values carrying the greatest amount of information (1.1 nm−1 and 1.6 nm−1).

► In this paper energy dispersive X-ray diffraction system was used.
► Different materials were analysed.
► Combinations of materials simulate the contrast of different biological tissue.
► Analysis was done at the moment transfer values (1.1 nm−1 and 1.6 nm−1).