A Homogeneous Breast Phantom Measurement System with an Improved Modified Microwave Imaging Antenna Sensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Microwave breast imaging offers potential as an alternative or adjunct to X-ray mammography for tumor detection.
• Antenna sensor performance is critical for microwave imaging system quality, influenced by array properties like sensor number and size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new system for early breast tumor detection using a balanced slotted antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BSAVA) sensor.
• To investigate the performance of the BSAVA sensor in both frequency and time domains for microwave breast imaging.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated a BSAVA sensor with modified radiating fins (etched slots) for enhanced performance.
• Developed a breast phantom measurement system with a mechanical scanner for antenna rotation.
• Analyzed backscattering signals from a homogenous breast phantom to assess tumor detection capabilities.

Main Results:

• The BSAVA sensor operates between 3.01 to 11 GHz with improved bandwidth, directionality, gain, and efficiency due to etched slots.
• The antenna sensor transmits and receives near-field electromagnetic pulses with low loss, minimal distortion, and high directionality.
• Successful image construction from backscattering signals in the breast phantom validates the system's efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The proposed BSAVA microwave antenna sensor is a suitable candidate for high-resolution microwave breast imaging systems.
• This technology has the potential to enhance early detection of breast tumors.
• Further development could lead to a valuable tool in breast cancer diagnostics.