Transmission line resonators for breast tumor detection

We propose a near-field RF/microwave microscope for subsurface detection of breast cancer tumors. The principle of the near-field microscope is the change in the resonant frequency of the resonator/cavity when its evanescent energy encounters a change in the dielectric properties of the subject under test. To the best of our knowledge, all earlier works involving the use of near-field microscopy (either in the optical or microwave regimes) related to surface characterization. Encouraged by the subwavelength focusing power of near-field microscopy, and especially by recent publications demonstrating the effectiveness of this modality for surface characterization of biological tissues, here, we propose a sensor system, based on near-field microscopy concepts, that looks beyond the surface, penetrating few centimetres within the material under test. The system proposed here avoids the challenges that are inherent in microwave-based scattering imaging modalities.