Near-field beamforming in conformal linear arrays

Microwave hyperthermia is a very promising tool in non-invasive treatment of tumors on the surface or just below the surface of the human body. The precise focusing of beams in the nearfield zone of the applicator is quite complex, and conformal antenna arrays can offer a solution, owing to the flexible contour of the array geometry, which can blend with the local body surface area. This paper details the beamforming properties of a K band waveguide array (18-26 GHz), operating as a linear arc array. The array has two directing waveguides and one focusing waveguide, and conformal shape can be achieved by movement of the only the focusing element.