Contrast Enhancement of Mammograms by Optical Polarization of the Viewing Environment.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the optical polarimetric properties of mammography films and determine whether visual contrast may be improved by exploiting such properties with a suitable viewing environment. Scope: The major efforts of the first year of this investigation have concentrated on experimental design and procedure development, preliminary studies of a selected mammography film type for prominent polarimetric properties, and data analysis procedures for Mueller matrix analysis. Major findings: Preliminary analysis of the mammography film selected shows that there are definite polarimetric properties displayed by the film. A subtle effect on the observed linear polarization due to film optical density variations warrants further, more rigorous study than that completed thus far. It was also found that the film's plastic base itself displays prominent retardance which will need to be considered when isolating potential candidates for further testing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA328921

Entities

People

  • David C. Spelic

Organizations

  • Food and Drug Administration

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Contrast
  • Data Analysis
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Environment
  • Experimental Design
  • Light Sources
  • Mammography
  • Materials
  • Optical Detectors
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Optical Properties
  • Optics
  • Polarization
  • Polarizers
  • Radiation
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.