Medical microwave imaging using novel near-field focusing plates

Novel medical imaging devices are proposed leading to early detection of small size breast tumours. The proposed devices are based on microwave technology and are therefore non-ionising, low-cost and more acceptable to the women being examined, eliminating the need for breast compression (as in X-ray mammography). The devices will be researched and developed in Loughborough University and in collaboration with the University Hospitals Leicester. Initial tests will be carried out on representative breast phantoms in the lab following rigorous computer simulations.

Near-field focusing plates are proposed as novel microwave imaging devices with high spatial resolution. The research focuses on breast tumours due to the large existing literature on their microwaves properties. It is anticipated that abnormalities of less than 5mm will be detected with adequate penetration. This project builds on the lead applicant?s expertise in microwave technology and periodic metallo-dielectric surfaces and will allow him to hop to a new and exciting research field, namely microwave medical imaging, therein to implement a novel idea for achieving high-resolution microwave detection of tumours.
A multi-disciplinary research collaboration has been initiated between Loughborough University and the University Hospitals of Leicester. Two consultants from Leicester University Hospitals, specialising in imaging, will be research collaborators, providing informed expert clinical imaging advice to the medical and biological aspects of the project. The timely successful design and employment of near-field plates in sub-wavelength imaging is expected to open up new directions for microwave medical imaging research and significantly enhance non-ionising screening systems. The research will cover a range of lower microwave frequencies, spanning from 400MHz up to 1 GHz, and will be based on existing fabrication and measurement facilities in the host department.