Application of phase contrast imaging to digital mammography

Phase contrast imaging has been studied intensively in this decade using coherent x-ray from synchrotron radiation and micro-focus x-ray tubes. We have created a new method of analyzing edge effect in phase contrast imaging with incoherent x-ray emitting from practical x-ray tubes for medical use. Based upon this theory, we have developed a full-field digital phase contrast mammography system in order to provide such high quality image as conventional screen-film mammography. We would like to describe our basic concept on applying phase contrast imaging to digital mammography. (author)