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Document Type
Open Access
Degree Program
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Year Degree Awarded
2012
Month Degree Awarded
September
Keywords
THz, medical imaging, reflectivity, refractive index, FDTI, breast cancer
Abstract
This project evaluates the ability of terahertz (THz) radiation to differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous human breast lumpectomy and mastectomy tissue. This is done by aiming a narrow-band THz beam at medical samples and measuring reflected power. THz images of specimens from Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS) were created using a gas laser source and mechanical scanning. The design and characterization of this system is discussed in detail. The images were correlated with optical histological micrographs of the same specimens and discrimination values of more than 70% were found for five of the six samples using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Yngvesson, Sigfrid K.
Siqueira, Paul R.