Thermoacoustic RF Antenna Field Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Characterizing the full three-dimensional electromagnetic field distribution of a radio frequency antenna, especially in the near-field regime, is complicated and costly due to the limitations of field probes, which can perturb the field and require numerous discrete measurements, making it impractical for applications where a patient or object is close to the antenna.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the emission of RF energy pulses into a homogeneous medium, such as water or tissue, where thermoacoustic signal measurements are taken and used to generate a reconstructed pressure distribution, allowing for the calculation of the RF antenna's electromagnetic field spatial distribution within the medium without intrusive measurement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field probes are used to measure electromagnetic field in near-field regime, then measurement can be performed, but the probes perturb the field and require numerous discrete measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical field probes with a thermoacoustic imaging system that uses acoustic wave propagation to non-intrusively measure electromagnetic field distribution. The system emits RF pulses, detects thermoacoustic signals generated by dielectric heating, and reconstructs the field distribution through image processing, eliminating the need for physical probes in the near-field region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermoacoustic signals as an intermediary to indirectly measure electromagnetic field properties. Instead of directly measuring the electromagnetic field with probes, the system measures the thermoacoustic signals generated by dielectric heating, which serve as a mediator to infer the field distribution without direct contact.
2Measurement precision
If numerous discrete measurements are performed to characterize full three-dimensional distribution, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous RF pulse emission and continuous thermoacoustic signal acquisition to capture the complete three-dimensional field distribution in a single measurement process. The system performs full volumetric scanning continuously, eliminating the need for numerous discrete measurements and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining measurement completeness.
3Area of stationary object
If field probes are placed close to antenna for near-field measurement, then measurement coverage is improved, but field perturbation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical field probes with a non-contact thermoacoustic imaging system. The system uses RF pulse emission and acoustic signal detection to measure the electromagnetic field distribution throughout a volume without requiring physical probes in the near-field region, thereby eliminating field perturbation while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
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 provides non-intrusive, cost-effective characterization of the antenna's electromagnetic field, eliminating the need for large anechoic chambers and enabling characterization in solid dielectric media, potentially replacing the need for simulation with full-field verification.
Implementation Method 1
emitting with the RF antenna, a plurality of RF energy pulses into a homogeneous medium
Implementation Method 2
The homogenous medium can be a liquid, such as water, human or animal tissue, or a phantom material designed to mimic the characteristics of tissue
Implementation Method 3
performing a plurality of thermoacoustic signal measurements of the plurality of RF energy pulses
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a variance in the plurality of thermoacoustic signal measurements to generate a reconstructed pressure distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an electromagnetic field spatial distribution of a radio frequency (RF) antenna which includes the steps of emitting with the RF antenna, a plurality of RF energy pulses into a homogeneous medium; performing a plurality of thermoacoustic signal measurements of the plurality of RF energy pulses, wherein each of the thermoacoustic signal measurements is performed in a similar manner; utilizing a variance in the plurality of thermoacoustic signal measurements to generate a reconstructed pressure distribution for a volume located within the homogeneous medium; and calculating the RF antenna electromagnetic field spatial distribution within the volume based upon the reconstructed pressure distribution for the volume located within the homogeneous medium.