Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The main research goal is to enhance the spatial resolution of state-of-the-art Microwave Tomography (MWT) systems for biomedical imaging. MWT is a relatively new modality that uses microwave measurements to create a quantitative image of the bulk-electrical material properties of biological tissues situated in a body. Although some recent results for breast cancer imaging are impressive, MWT has not become the modality of choice for any biomedical application. This is mostly due to the limited spatial resolution of the current state-of-the-art. But there are many potential advantages of MWT, including (1) its low cost and portability; (2) its use of safe non-ionizing radiation; and (3) its ability, without contrast agents, to create quantitative images of the dielectric constant and conductivity of living tissue as a way of identifying physiological conditions of those tissues. This would allow the early detection of disease via strategic frequent monitoring of patients. The research addresses MWT's greatest challenge: its lower spatial resolution as compared to other existing modalities. The research investigates enhancing the spatial resolution by building a series of 3D imaging prototypes capable of measuring vector-fields in the near-field. The two main novel areas around which this research revolves are (a) the accurate measurement of vector-fields over 3D surfaces in the near-field region, and (b) the use of conductive enclosures within which the measurements are made. Prototype MWT systems incorporating these novel features will be built using advanced antenna-array techniques, accurate numerical calibration, and state-of-the-art inversion algorithms. We will investigate the feasibility of MWT for specialized biomedical applications and transferring the technology to our supporting organizations, CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) & IMRIS. All testing and evaluation of the enhanced spatial resolution will be accomplished on specially designed phantoms. Access to such prototype systems will provide CCMB & IMRIS with valuable information on the viability of MWT for future clinical applications. Current indications are that MWT can be useful for breast cancer imaging, bone imaging, and the detection of ischemic tissues