The optimization of an energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction system for potential clinical application.

In the past decade, energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) has been used to identify the nature of tissues. However, these systems have limited clinical use because of problems such as the long measurement times. In this study, the relation between various setup parameters and some performance specifications such as sensitivity, spatial resolution and momentum transfer resolution were assessed using both geometrical calculations and modeling. Accuracy of the derived relations was also confirmed by means of experimental measurements. As an example, the optimum parameters were determined for obtaining diffraction patterns of breast tissue for an efficient acquisition time. Accordingly, the results of this study could introduce a useful tool for EDXRD optimization in clinical application. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.