Three-dimensional FDTD analysis of a pulsed microwave confocal system for breast cancer detection: design of an antenna-array element

We are investigating a new ultrawide-band (UWB) microwave radar technology to detect and image early-stage malignant breast tumors that are often invisible to X rays. We present the methodology and initial results of three-dimensional (3-D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The discu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on antennas and propagation 1999-05, Vol.47 (5), p.783-791
Main Authors: Hagness, S.C., Taflove, A., Bridges, J.E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antennas
Breast
Breast neoplasms
Computer simulation
Confocal
Design engineering
Diseases
Electromagnetic wave reflection
Electromagnetic wave scattering
Finite difference method
Finite difference methods
Finite difference time domain method
Microwave devices
Microwave technology
Microwaves
Radar
Radar antennas
Radar detection
Radar imaging
Sensor arrays
Sensor phenomena and characterization
Sensors
Time domain analysis
Tumors
Ultra wideband radar
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Summary:We are investigating a new ultrawide-band (UWB) microwave radar technology to detect and image early-stage malignant breast tumors that are often invisible to X rays. We present the methodology and initial results of three-dimensional (3-D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The discussion concentrates on the design of a single resistively loaded bowtie antenna element of a proposed confocal sensor array. We present the reflection, radiation, and scattering properties of the electromagnetic pulse radiated by the antenna element within a homogeneous, layered half-space model of the human breast and the polarization and frequency-response characteristics of generic tumor shapes. We conclude that the dynamic range of a sensor array comprised of such elements in conjunction with existing microwave equipment is adequate to detect small cancerous tumors usually missed by X-ray mammography.
ISSN:0018-926X
1558-2221
DOI:10.1109/8.774131