Microwave time-reversal mirror for imaging and hyperthermia treatment of breast tumors

Abstract

A time reversal method is proposed for imaging and hyperthermia of tumors in breast tissues. Time reversal is based on the reciprocal nature of the electromagnetic scalar wave equation. Time reversed scattered electric fields recorded by the receiver antenna array are back-propagated in an FDTD assisted numerical model to focus back at tumor locations. The potential of this approach for thermal therapy applications is demonstrated by calculating specific absorption rates associated with the time-reversed electromagnetic fields. Simulation results elucidate the feasibility and robustness of the approach. A pulsed time domain measurement system is developed for conducting experiments to detect and measure heat absorbed by single and multiple tumors inside a simple breast phantom.