Holographic microwave imaging for medical applications

This paper presents a new 2D holographic microwave imaging array (HMIA) technique for medical imaging applications. The HMIA technique has been applied to early stage breast cancer detection and brain stroke detection. Computer models are developed to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting and localizing small brain strokes within a 2D numerical head model and breast tumours within a 3D numerical breast model using the HMIA technique. Experimental validation of the HMIA simulation model using a breast phantom has been undertaken and demonstrated a good agreement between experimental and simulated images. Simulation and experimental results showed that the proposed HMIA technique has the potential to become a powerful medical screening and diagnostic tool.