Spatial sampling constraints on Breast Microwave Radar scan acquired along circular scan geometries

Breast Microwave Radar (BMR) is a novel non ionizing imaging modality capable of producing high contrast images and detecting tumors of at least 4mm. Although recent studies have shown its potential as a complimentary breast imaging technique, several aspects of this technology need to be optimized before it can be used in clinical scenarios. In this paper, the spatial sampling effects on monostatic BMR imaging are explored. The spherical phase function of a generic 2D circular scan geometry is analyzed to determine the size of its corresponding spectral support band. This feature is fundamental to determine the minimum number of sampling locations required to properly characterize the inclusions inside the breast region. The mathematical models developed in this work were validated using numeric phantom with dielectric properties that mimic the values from breast tissues.