CsI(T1)/HgI2 Detector Arrays for Scintigraphy Mammograph

Our objective is to perform feasibility studies leading to the development of a novel, new defectormammography capable of improving the diagnosis of breast cancer and lowering the number of false-posleading to unnecessary invasive biopsies. The concept is based upon a gamma-ray detector which combiscintillator array with a new HgI2 photodetector array to form a high energy-resolution and high spadetector. This development will lead (in Phase II) to a compact device which will include a high resCsI(Tl) scintillator and HgI2 photodetector array coupled with the necessary front-end electronic coin a hermetic package. The development is designed to proceed through two distinct phases. In phasecritical issues necessary to determine the technological requirements for fabricating and assemblingscintillator, and photodetector arrays, the optimal choice of components and configuration of the cofor successful hybridization of the detector components, and evaluation of the performance that canprototypical four-by-four (16-pixel) device structures. In phase II we will develop a scaled-up devi20-by-20 (400-pixels) elements on a single monocrystalline slice (1-2 in.2) of HgI2 and develop theintegrating all of the front-end components into a hermetic package that can be used as the basis foto be used for small-field-of-view scintigraphy mammography or coupled with more of the devices to ffocal plane. When applied to the problem of breast imaging, the CsI(Tl)/HgI2 camera with 99m-Tc-Sestthat is capable of improving the diagnosis of breast cancer without the trauma to the patient resultprocedures while at the same time saving billions of dollars in the national medical bill that are nprocedures.