Enhancement of Penetration of Millimeter Waves by Field Focusing Applied to Breast Cancer Detection
Ioannis Iliopoulos, Simona Di Meo, Marco Pasian, Maxim Zhadobov, Philippe Pouliguen, Patrick Potier, Luca Perregrini, Ronan Sauleau, Mauro Ettorre
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The potentialities of improving the penetration of millimeter waves for breast cancer imaging are here explored. METHODS: A field focusing technique based on a convex optimization method is proposed, capable of increasing the field level inside a breast-emulating stratification. RESULTS: The theoretical results are numerically validated via the design and simulation of two circularly polarized antennas. The experimental validation of the designed antennas, using tissue-mimicking phantoms, is provided, being in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. CONCLUSION: The possibility of focusing, within a lossy medium, the electromagnetic power at millimeter-wave frequencies is demonstrated. SIGNIFICANCE: Field focusing can be a key for using millimeter waves for breast cancer detection.