Functional neuroimaging using UWB impulse radar: A feasibility study

Microwave imaging is a promising new modality for studying brain function. In the current paper we assess the feasibility of using a single chip implementation of an ultra-wideband impulse radar for developing a portable and low-cost functional neuroimaging device. A numerical model is used to predict the level of attenuation that will occur when detecting a volume of blood in the cerebral cortex. A phantom liquid is made, to study the radar's performance at different attenuation levels. Although the radar is currently capable of detecting a point reflector in a phantom liquid with submillimeter accuracy and high temporal resolution, object detection at the desired level of attenuation remains a challenge.