The Effects of Background Contrast on Conformal Mesh Microwave Breast Imaging

Abstract

We have developed a prototype saline-coupled microwave breast imaging system with a non-contacting monopole antenna array. We have demonstrated in simulation and phantom experiments that the detection of internal features can be enhanced as the parameter reconstruction mesh approaches the exact breast perimeter. However, in the case of a homogeneous breast phantom we have also observed a centrally located artifact in some recovered images which could be interpreted as a false positive detection in an actual patient examination. Simulation results presented here illustrate that if the electrical property contrast between the background medium and breast is reduced, the conformal meshing approach can be used successfully with only a minimal central artifact while retaining the improved inclusion detection characteristics associated with the conformal mesh technique.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 25, 2001
Accession Number
ADA412423

Entities

People

  • Dapeng Li
  • Keith D. Paulsen
  • P. M. Meaney

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antenna Arrays
  • Antennas
  • Arrays
  • Artifacts
  • Conductivity
  • Contrast
  • Couplings
  • Detection
  • Dielectric Permittivity
  • Electric Fields
  • Electrical Properties
  • Geometry
  • Image Reconstruction
  • Inclusions
  • Microwaves
  • Monopole Antennas
  • Simulations

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.