Compact directional antenna for ultra wideband microwave imaging system

Abstract

A planar antenna of tapered slot configuration for use in ultra wideband microwave imaging systems aimed for early breast cancer detection is presented. It is designed to operate across the ultra wideband frequency (3.1-10.6 GHz) in a liquid of a high dielectric constant that matches the electric properties of average breast tissues. It has a very compact size with overall dimensions of 0.9 cm נ1 cm. The antenna's ultra wideband performance even when it is close to the breast tissues and its distortionless response in the time domain make it suitable for the microwave imaging systems utilizing a short-pulse radar technique.