A bi-directional multi-aperture planar coaxial applicator for low-power microwave hyperthermia

A bi-directional planar coaxial applicator with multiple apertures is presented in this paper. The applicator is optimized for uniform thermal distribution over large volume for low-power microwave hyperthermia. The proposed applicator can radiate microwaves in both up and down directions simultaneously, resulting in extended treatment volume. The power distribution into each aperture has been optimized to achieve uniform thermal profile by solving the bioheat equation. 3-D thermal profiles are measured on the surface of 4 mm-thick pork muscle using Infra-Red microscope from three orthogonal directions. The measured thermal profile confirms uniform thermal distribution and expanded heating volume.