Active integrated probes for tumor detection and ablation

Abstract

This paper presents micromachined planar coaxial probes integrated with the active circuits for tumor detection and low-power cancer ablation. A multi-state reflectometer (MSR) consisting of a dual-band PLL, an impedance tuner, two power detectors, and a directional coupler is employed to extract broadband dielectric parameters of the tumor cells. The active circuits are integrated on the micromachined silicon planar probe with an open-ended coaxial aperture. A similar active probe is also demonstrated for cancer ablation, where a voltage controlled oscillator, power amplifiers are integrated on a micromachined silicon probe together with power detectors and a directional coupler. To further enhance the contrast and sensitivity, magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-assisted hyperthermia has been demonstrated using microwave integrated heat applicator for the first time.