Array of Planar Resonator Probes for Rapid Near-Field Microwave Imaging

Planar resonator probes have been successfully used for high-resolution near-field microwave imaging in the past. However, the reported imaging systems which were developed based on these probes require lengthy mechanical scanning to cover the imaging area. Such a lengthy image acquisition process is not desired in many practical applications where rapid screening is required. In this article, a 1-D imaging array of planar resonator probes is introduced for rapid near-field imaging. The strong coupling between the resonant elements in the array is conveniently controlled through active loading of each element with a p-i-n diode detuning circuit. Once the coupling is mitigated, each array element provides an independent measurement as desired to form the image. The probe and array design are detailed herein. The array response and its near-field imaging performance are thoroughly investigated using many practical samples.