Evaluation of 3-D Acquisition Surfaces for Radar-Based Microwave Breast Imaging

This study investigates the impact that the acquisition surface has on the internal coverage of an object in the context of radar-based near-field microwave (MW) breast imaging. We define an acquisition surface as the surface over, which data are collected. Three different three-dimensional (3-D) data acquisition surfaces are investigated: 1) cylindrical, 2) hemispherical, and 3) patient specific. Three 3-D numerical breast models are used for the study. A realistic ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna generates incident fields and records the total fields. The responses from targets are analyzed, and object coverage is evaluated in terms of range distances, cross-range distances, and cumulative radiated power directed into the object by the antenna array embedded in the acquisition surface. Images are formed to verify these observations. We demonstrate that a patient-specific acquisition surface provides greater responses from targets, superior object coverage and improved images compared to the other acquisition surfaces studied.