SAR levels in microwave breast imaging: 3-D safety assessment with plane-wave illumination

In this work, we present results of simulation analysis to assess the safety of the microwave-based breast cancer detection techniques. In our numerical experiments, a detailed, three-dimensional anatomical model, derived from magnetic resonance images, has been exposed to plane waves from different angles and at varying frequencies. These simulations result in profiles of specific absorption rate (SAR), a quantity that is used to measure the compliance with safety standards. Our analysis implies that the power levels needed for the functioning of microwave breast cancer detection systems remains safe in terms of acceptable SAR levels.