Development of a Near-Field Sensor for Diagnosis of Liver Diseases Using 3D-EM Simulation of Mouse Model

In this work, we studied the response of an antipodal Vivaldi antenna in the presence of different types of mice liver models. The scope of the study was limited to two types of liver diseases, i.e., nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. The complex dielectric properties of each liver type were measured using the open-ended coaxial probe dielectric spectroscopy method. A Vivaldi antenna for near-field sensing was designed and then simulated in CST Studio to determine the antenna characteristics. The antenna performance from the simulation matched the reflection coefficients (S11) measurements collected with the fabricated antenna in an anechoic chamber. This verified antenna was used for further measurements of different liver models placed near the antenna. The antenna response, S11 measurements, varied from one tissue type to another, demonstrating the potential of using the Vivaldi antenna as a near-field sensor to differentiate liver disease models from the healthy liver model.