Characterization of human head phantom based on its dielectric properties for wideband microwave imaging application

Abstract

Characterization of phantom material based on its electrical properties across 1 to 6 GHz is investigated and presented in purpose for modelling of a human head phantom. This article presents five phantom samples mimicking main head tissues, which are the tissue of grey matter, white matter, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), blood and skin. The preparation of phantom samples is performed by using common and cheap materials, which are jelly powder, gelatine, water and sugar. The characteristics of materials used are discussed on the composition ratios and electrical properties. The electrical properties of materials are measured using a special dielectric coaxial probe connected to a vector network analyser (VNA). The obtained data is analysed in terms of relative permittivity, εrand conductivity, σ for the observation and further discussion on the characterizations. This phantom of the human head tissues later can be applied in the microwave imaging system for a further study on the health monitoring of the human body.