Design and Optimization of Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna for Enhanced Breast Tumor Detection Using Microwave Imaging

Abstract

This paper presents a novel breast tumor identification strategy utilizing microwave imaging technology with specially designed antennas. The aim is to address the complexities arising from heterogeneity of breast tissues, which pose challenges for conventional breast cancer detection methods. To overcome these challenges, an Antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA) is developed, featuring dimensions of 53.07 × 46.07 × 0.6 mm³. The design parameters of AVA are optimized using mutation boosted Kepler optimization algorithm (MBKOA). Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) analysis on phantom breast with tumors is carried out utilizing finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) approach. To enhance signal strength at desired imaging location, Microwave Imaging beamforming algorithm is applied. Fast Delay Multiply and Sum (DMS) based image reconstruction algorithm is employed on time-domain data, providing high spatial response and comprehensive representation of internal structure of the breast.