Neighborhood-based algorithm to facilitate the reduction of skin reflections in radar-based microwave imaging

Abstract

Radar-based microwave imaging is being investigated as a complementary diagnostic tool for breast cancer detection. One of the major challenges associated with radar-based breast imaging is the removal of the overwhelming reflection caused by the skin. This paper presents an algorithm that has been designed for realistic 3D scenarios. The algorithm is tested on a variety of realistic 3D numerical breast models, as well as measured data from a phantom and patient. In all cases, the reflections from the skin are significantly reduced, facilitating detection of known tumors.