Radar-based tumor localization in heterogeneous breast tissue using a 3D permittivity model

Many imaging algorithms for microwave breast cancer detection are limited by the assumption that the heterogeneity of the female breast is approximated by an effective permittivity during the reconstruction process. Since other modalities like ultrasound or MRI are used in conjunction with microwaves in recent years, it might be possible to estimate a complex 3D permittivity model that can be used within the reconstruction process as prior information. In this paper, we present a novel beamforming procedure for radar-based microwave breast cancer detection that incorporates a 3D-permittivity model. Hence, the reconstruction can take place in time domain on a piecewise basis rather than range domain. This approach is analyzed in this paper by means of a heterogeneous numerical breast phantom using Bristol's 31-element array configuration.