University Looks at New Way to Detect Breast Cancer

Researchers at City College of CUNY, led by R.R. Alfano, are testing a new electronic gate with a shutter speed of 80 ps to image calcium compound particles in turbid media -- breast milk. Doctors use three-dimensional images of the calcium particles as a guidepost for breast cancer detection. X-rays can provide 3-D images but subject the patient to radiation. Hoping to someday offer doctors a second choice, the group first focuses near-infrared radiation on the sample. By using an electronic gate to filter the scattered light, researchers can capture clear, 2-D images of the calcium particles. Researchers hope to continue developing the system using light at 1200 nm instead of in the 800-nm range.