Identifying Microwave Antenna Design Limitations for Radar-based Breast Imaging

Abstract

Clinical trials using ten different Microwave Breast Imaging systems have been published including both academic and industrial systems. While trials with over 200 participants show promising detection results, substantial technical differences exist between the systems in terms of the antenna designs, antenna array designs and antenna performance specifications. In this work, the current state-of-the-art in operational microwave systems in terms of antennas are reviewed and preliminary limits on dimensions are identified. Gaps in understanding regarding the optimal number, configuration and performance of antennas are highlighted and future work regarding the impact of these design decisions on imaging performance identified.