Experimental validation of a linear model for data reduction in chirp-pulse microwave CT

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Chirp-pulse microwave computerized tomography (CP-MCT) is an innovative imaging technique.
• It aims to simplify microwave tomography challenges, likening them to X-ray imaging scenarios.
• Previous research established a linear model for CP-MCT data acquisition based on scattering theory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the linear model used in Chirp-pulse microwave computerized tomography (CP-MCT).
• To assess the model's accuracy in describing data acquisition and its effectiveness in image restoration.

Main Methods:

• The study validated the linear model by comparing theoretically computed response functions with those derived from regularized multiple deconvolution.
• Three datasets from a prototype CP-MCT system were analyzed.
• Image restoration reliability was tested using simple on-axis cylindrical phantoms under space-invariant conditions.

Main Results:

• A strong agreement was observed between the theoretically computed response function and the experimentally obtained one.
• The model demonstrated reliability in reconstructing simple cylindrical phantoms.
• Validation confirms the linear model's suitability for CP-MCT data acquisition and image restoration.

Conclusions:

• The validated linear model accurately represents data acquisition in Chirp-pulse microwave computerized tomography.
• The model's reliability for image restoration was confirmed through phantom studies.
• This work supports the advancement of CP-MCT as a viable imaging modality.