Mutual Coupling Between Box-Horn Elements of a Phased Array Terminated in Three-layered Bio-Media

The ldquoplane wave spectral techniquerdquo is used to investigate theoretically the extent of mutual coupling between two box-horn elements of a phased array terminated in three-layered bio-media (skin, fat, and muscle layers). The results obtained have been validated against published results in the literature. Each box-horn of the array is assumed to be filled with water to provide good impedance match to the bio-media. Also, it reduces the dimensions of each box-horn which makes it suitable for array configuration. The effects of relative position of elements, spacing between elements, frequency, aperture size of each element, relative phase and amplitude of excitation of the elements on mutual coupling coefficients are numerically investigated and presented for an array of two box-horns terminated in bio-media. The specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions along the direction of the array axis in muscle layer of the bio-media in direct contact with a collinear array of two box-horns both with and without mutual coupling considerations are also computed and presented. The results of the present research work can provide useful design guidelines for the development of prototypes of box-horn array for hyperthermia treatment of tumors. Bio-media, box-horn, hyperthermia, mutual coupling, phased array, plane wave spectra.