Antenna design and forward problem solution for brain stroke detection using microwave imaging

Abstract

In modern day technology, any neurological examination is carried forward by medical imaging using CT Scan, MRI or PET. These techniques provide better identification, location and the type of the stroke inside the head. However, these techniques are xpensive, ionizing, slow and immobile in nature. The aim is to achieve imaging using microwave radiation by using numerical brain phantom from CST Microwave Studio software. HFSS (High Frequency Structure software) is used to design the bowtie antenna and Vivaldi antenna for radiating microwave radiation in microwave imaging system. The thesis provides a system which is inexpensive, non-ionising, transportable and accurate that can replace existing diagnostic systems. Forward problem for microwave imaging for stroke detection is solved. The stroke is detected using antenna array of Vivaldi antenna and bowtie antenna. HFSS software is used to design and simulate the bowtie antenna. The bowtie antenna is fabricated and measured using vector network analyser (VNA). Bowtie antenna similar to Vivaldi antenna can be used to detect the stroke. It is observed that bowtie antenna is more directive in nature due to broadside radiation pattern with reasonable gain and antenna efficiency.