Evaluation of Refraction Effects in Dry Medical Microwave Imaging Setups

Dry microwave imaging (MWI) systems are more practical, hygienic, and fast to operate since they do not require immersion liquid. However, the dielectric contrast between air part of body under examination is larger, causing larger refraction effects. Including in image reconstruction algorithm significantly increases computational effort, especially when nonuniform shapes. Hence, our systematic study aims evaluate impact neglecting effects on MWI by using quantitative metrics define objective guidelines that lacking literature. We perform comparative studies with a spherical numerical phantom (which typically used represent simplified breast or head phantoms) varying relative permittivity values 4 40, metallic targets diameter 5 15 mm, number probing antennas. Additionally, evaluated anthropomorphic phantoms representing axillary region. numerically experimentally show tends have greater results exceed 8, while it has minor effect remaining tested cases. This favors potential real-time reconstruction. letter provides useful criteria decide whether should be considered for developing new dry medical setups.