Attenuation compensation for microwave imaging in highly lossy media

Abstract

Microwave imaging in highly lossy media suffers from significant signal attenuation, degrading image quality and object localization. To address this, we propose an attenuation compensation technique based on a modified Green’s function with an exponential correction factor derived from the complex propagation constant. Numerical simulations and experimental validations were conducted under varying conductivity conditions using saltwater-based media. Four quantitative metrics, including the Jaccard similarity index, were used to evaluate imaging performance, demonstrating improved object boundary preservation and noise suppression. Although validated at 925 MHz, the method can be extended to multi-frequency imaging. Limitations include sensitivity to errors in medium property estimation and reduced accuracy for large or high-contrast objects due to the Born approximation. The proposed method offers a robust framework for enhancing microwave imaging in complex, lossy environments.