# Analyzer-based Phase Contrast Imaging System Development and Evaluation

> **NIH NIH R01** · ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2021 · $462,668

## Abstract

The proposed project concerns a new design for a novel, low-dose x-ray device for
analyzer-based phase contrast imaging (ABI), a modality that uses x-ray refraction to
produce dramatic improvements in imaging of the breast and other soft tissues. ABI has
been well documented to produce extraordinary images at synchrotron facilities, but
compact ABI prototypes have required imaging times that are far longer than what is
practical for clinical use. We have developed a breakthrough approach, including a
number of innovative design concepts that, when combined, are expected to deliver
whole-breast imaging at 100 µm resolution in 8.3 seconds. The goal of the proposed
project will be to methodically design, optimize, and construct such an ABI system and
evaluate its output in an expert reader study. ABI imaging offers many important
potential benefits: 1) ABI has very high inherent soft-tissue image contrast due to the
physics of x-ray refraction and strong scatter rejection, promising to provide clear
visualization of calcifications and spiculations; 2) ABI can act as a planar-imaging
method like mammography, but can also be used in tomosynthesis or computed
tomography (CT) modes; 3) ABI has no need for injected contrast agent; 4) ABI may
reduce radiation dose, because it can operate at higher x-ray energies (quasi-
monochromatic at ~60keV); 5) the image detail seen in ABI may ultimately eliminate the
need for tomosynthesis or CT, resulting in fewer images to be read in the clinic; 6) ABI
may permit calcification types to be discriminated, thereby improving specificity; and 7)
ABI permits quantitative imaging of tissue density. Based on a preliminary prototype
device, we have established strong evidence of feasibility of clinically practical ABI
performance. ABI system development is a complex hardware-software co-design
process. The main elements in this process will define the project's specific aims as
follows: 1. Design and construct a compact ABI imaging system to demonstrate practical
imaging time. 2. Develop simulation and phantom tools. 3. Optimize image processing
and iterative reconstruction methods. 4. Evaluate imaging system using ex vivo whole
breast specimens and hybrid tissue phantoms.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10141235
- **Project number:** 5R01EB023969-04
- **Recipient organization:** ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jovan G Brankov
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $462,668
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-15 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10141235

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10141235, Analyzer-based Phase Contrast Imaging System Development and Evaluation (5R01EB023969-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10141235. Licensed CC0.

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