Wideband Conformal Polymeric Based Antenna for Microwave Medical Imaging System

Abstract

In this work, a conformal antenna designed using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is presented, with copper used as its conducting elements. Such material combination enabled the realization of a highly flexible antenna structure for potential implementation on the human body in microwave imaging systems. This antenna is designed based on a planar monopole aimed at operation in the lower ultra-wideband (UWB) frequencies. The choice of this band is to enable a deeper penetration of radiation into the human body. It operates from 2.92 to 4.75 GHz, with a bandwidth of 1826 MHz and a gain of 2.41 dB in its planar condition. When evaluated in a bent configuration with a radius of 20 mm, 40 mm and 60 mm, a bandwidth of 47.59% (1826 MHz), 45.72% (1741 MHz) and 42.68% (1770 MHz) with a gain of 2.41 dB, 2.73 dB and 3 dB is observed respectively. These results indicate that the antenna can be potentially be used on a human body for microwave imaging purposes.