Near-Field Microwave Imaging Based on Aperture Raster Scanning with TEM Horn Antennas

The design, fabrication, and characterization of an ultrawideband (UWB) antenna for near-field microwave imaging of dielectric objects are presented together with the imaging setup. The focus is on an application in microwave breast tumor detection. The new antenna operates as a sensor with the following properties: 1) direct contact with the imaged body; 2) more than 90% of the microwave power is coupled directly into the tissue; 3) UWB performance; 4) excellent de-coupling from the outside environment; 5) small size; and 6) simple fabrication. The antenna characterization includes return loss, total efficiency, near-field directivity, fidelity, and group velocity. The near-field imaging setup employs planar aperture raster scanning. It consists of two antennas aligned along each other's boresight and moving together to scan two parallel apertures. The imaged object lies between the two apertures. With a blind de-convolution algorithm, the images are de-blurred. Simulation and experimental results confirm the satisfactory performance of the antenna as an UWB sensor for near-field imaging.