The Hand-Held Breast Cancer Detector: A 2-D Phased Array System NSF Summer Undergraduate Fellowship in Sensor Technologies

Presently, there are well known non-invasive methods in the detection of breast cancers. The most important include Magnetic resonance, X-ray, and Ultra-sound mammograms. However, due to their high cost, inconvenience, and time considerations, alternative methods are emerging. The Hand-Held Breast Cancer Detector (HHBCD) is designed to be an inexpensive and convenient way to replace other mammograms for some circumstances. It can detect small size tumors (1mm) up to 1 cm into the skin. The goal of this project is to expand the detection range to 3 cm. The device is based on the interference of two paired anti-phase near-infrared light (NIR) sources, a Photomultiplier tube detector (PMT) that detects a portion of this light, and a 2-D phased array method that discerns inequalities in the breast tissue. Most of the efforts put into the device were dedicated to improved signal interpretation, a more effective light source driver, and a shut-off protection system. The discussed individual parts were built but time did not permit them to be integrated. Successful completion of the device could prove useful for quick tumor detection and as a localization tool.