Hybrid Simulation-Measurement Calibration Technique for Microwave Imaging Systems

This paper proposes an innovative technique to calibrate microwave imaging (MWI) systems combining available measured data with simulated synthetic ones. The introduced technique aims to compensate the variations of the antenna array due to unavoidable manufacturing tolerances and placement, in comparison to the nominal electromagnetic (EM) scenario. The scheme is tested virtually and experimentally for the MWI of the adult human head tissues. The virtual EM analysis uses a realistic 3-D CAD model working together with a full-wave software, based on the finite element method. Meanwhile, the real implementation employs a single-cavity anthropomorphic head phantom and a custom brick-shaped antenna array working at around 1 GHz.