Radar-Based Breast Cancer Detection Using a Hemispherical Antenna Array—Experimental Results

Abstract

In this contribution, an ultrawideband (UWB) microwave system for breast cancer detection is presented. The system is based on a novel hemispherical real-aperture antenna array, which is employed in a multi-static radar-based detection system. The array consists of 16 UWB aperture-coupled stacked-patch antennas located on a section of a hemisphere. The radar system is designed to be used with realistic three-dimensional (3D) breast phantoms, which have been developed, as well as with real breast cancer patients during initial clinical trials. Images are formed using two different beamforming algorithms and the performance of these algorithms is firstly compared through numerical simulation. Experimental results for the same beamforming techniques are then presented, demonstrating the successful detection of 4 and 6 mm diameter spherical tumors in the curved breast phantom.