Microwave Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection Using Standing Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer detection methods using microwave technology face challenges such as limited penetration of electromagnetic waves into lossy biological tissues and insufficient resolution, which hinder early and accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method utilizes standing waves in an enclosed volume within a microwave cavity, allowing for the formation of a resonant structure that enhances microwave penetration and resolution, independent of the operation frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar-based microwave imaging uses ultra-wideband signals to improve resolution, then imaging resolution is improved, but penetration depth into lossy biological tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional radar-based traveling wave approach into a cavity resonator-based standing wave system. This fundamental parameter change in the electromagnetic wave mode enables simultaneous achievement of high resolution and deep penetration by decoupling these two parameters from their traditional inverse relationship in radar imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning and signal transmission approach of radar-based imaging with a resonant cavity field approach. By using standing waves in an enclosed cavity volume, the system achieves uniform field distribution that penetrates deeply into tissues while maintaining high resolution through the resonant enhancement of the electromagnetic field
2Length of stationary object
If conventional microwave imaging uses traveling waves to improve penetration, then penetration depth is improved, but imaging resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the electromagnetic wave parameter from traveling waves to standing waves by introducing an enclosed cavity structure. This parameter transformation enables the electromagnetic field to penetrate deeply into lossy biological tissues while maintaining high spatial resolution through the standing wave pattern distribution
3Measurement precision
If UWB radar-based imaging is used to detect small tumors, then detection sensitivity is improved, but data collection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic resonant excitation of the cavity at specific resonant frequencies. This periodic action at resonance dramatically enhances the electromagnetic field interaction with tissues, enabling sensitive detection of small tumors while reducing data collection time compared to continuous scanning approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity resonator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the electromagnetic field for imaging, acts as a signal amplifier through resonance, and enables uniform field distribution throughout the imaging volume. This multi-functionality achieves high detection sensitivity without requiring extended data collection periods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of detailed 3D images that reveal variations in dielectric constants and conductivity, facilitating early cancer detection with minimal side effects and at a lower cost compared to traditional imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The proposed imaging method is a technique wherein the reported limitations can be bypassed by using standing waves in an enclosed volume
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the formation of a resonant structure that enhances microwave penetration and resolution
Implementation Method 3
The interaction of electromagnetic signals with matter depends on the material's dielectric properties, such as the electric permittivity and conductivity. For body tissues, the dielectric properties are related directly to the water content of different biological constituents
Data Source
AI summary
A novel imaging technique is introduced at low microwave frequencies. Since the frequency is low, there is virtually no harmful radiation effect. On the other hand, a wave does not penetrate a lossy biological medium when the frequency is low. In accordance with principles of the invention, a standing-wave concept is used to overcome such obstacle so that two contradictory conditions are satisfied simultaneously: high penetration depth and high resolution.