Sensitivity of Microwave Imaging Systems Employing Scattering-Parameter Measurements

Abstract

The physical contrast sensitivity of microwave imaging systems employing scattering-parameter measurements is defined. Methodologies are proposed for its evaluation through measurements and through simulations. This enables the estimation of the smallest detectable target permittivity contrast or size for the system under evaluation. The outcomes of the proposed simulation-based and measurement-based methods are compared for the case of a realistic tissue-imaging system. The agreement between the simulated and measured sensitivity estimation validates the proposed methods. The intention of the proposed methodology is to provide common means to quantify and compare the sensitivity performance of microwave systems used in tissue imaging as well as the antennas used as sensors. We emphasize that the proposed method targets the performance of the hardware and it is not concerned with the image-reconstruction algorithms.

Sensitivity analysis on imaging the calcaneus using microwaves

“…In this respect, we proposed both, local and global sensitivity analysis. The definition of the former was inspired in Moussakhani et al [14] and the second analysis was the Morris method [15]. These methods were based on amplitude-only information of the scattering parameters.…”

“…The definition of sensitivity for microwave imaging systems is still under discussion in literature [14]. Such a definition could be used as a tool to study the feasibility of applying MWT to a particular zone of the body.…”

“…The second objective of this work is to select a sensitivity analysis feasible to be used in biomedical MWT. The definition of sensitivity for microwave imaging systems is still under discussion in the literature [16]. Such a definition could be used as a tool to study the feasibility of applying MWT to a particular zone of the body.…”

Tomografía de microondas

“…La definición de sensibilidad para sistemas de imágenes de MO, se encuentra aún en discusión en la literatura [100]. Tal definición puede ser usada como una herramienta para estudiar la factibilidad de aplicar la TMO a una zona particular del cuerpo.…”

“…En este sentido, se proponen ambos, un análisis de sensibilidad local y uno global. La definición del primero fue inspirado en [100] y el segundo se basó en el Método de Morris [101] (ver Apéndice C). Estos métodos se evaluaron en los parámetros de dispersión (parámetros S) sólo para el módulo del campo eléctrico, aunque también realizamos la evaluación del comportamiento de la fase en [102].…”