Ibtisam Amdaouch

In this article, a new efficient and robust approach—the high-resolution microwave imaging system—for early breast cancer diagnosis is presented. The core concept of the proposed approach is to employ a combination of a newly proposed delay-and-sum (DAS) algorithm and the specific absorption rate (SAR) parameter to provide high image quality of breast tumors, along with fast image processing. The new algorithm enhances the tumor response by altering the parameter referring to the distance between the antenna and the tumor in the conventional DAS matrices. This adjustment entails a much clearer reconstructed image with short processing time. To achieve these aims, a high directional Vivaldi antenna is applied around a simulated hemispherical breast model with an embedded tumor. The detection of the tumor is carried out by calculating the maximum value of SAR inside the breast model. Consequently, the antenna position is relocated near the tumor region and is moved to nine positions in a trajectory path, leading to a shorter propagation distance in the image-creation process. At each position, the breast model is illuminated with short pulses of low power waves, and the back-scattered signals are recorded to produce a two-dimensional image of the scanned breast. Several simulations of testing scenarios for reconstruction imaging are investigated. These simulations involve different tumor sizes and materials. The influence of the number of antennas on the reconstructed images is also examined. Compared with the results from the conventional DAS, the proposed technique significantly improves the quality of the reconstructed images, and it detects and localizes the cancer inside the breast with high quality in a fast computing time, employing fewer antennas.

This work presents a new breast tumor detection system based on an omnidirectional microstrip ultra wideband antenna. The localization coordinates of the tumor are studied in detail for better tumor detection. The coordinates of the corresponding maximum value of SAR are identified in order to accurately detect different locations of tumor inside the breast. The results show that relying on these coordinates; the tumor can be detected with high accuracy. The possibility of mutual interferences with other systems operating at the FCC frequency band is considered as a major issue in UWB systems. Therefore, rejected out-band interference signals is introduced by etching single and double U-shaped slots on the radiating element, then a first and second frequency band are successfully produced respectively. The proposed antenna is a compact antenna that can be used on microwave imaging detection. The antenna gain was larger than 2 dbi with an omnidirectional radiation pattern over the whole frequency-band. A relatively flat group delay of the antenna response is also achieved. Antenna prototype has been manufactured and measured, results prove the performance of the proposed antenna.