Coverage Estimation for Microwave Imaging using Full Multistatic Radar Imaging Algorithms with Restricted Opening

Many clinical investigations of microwave breast imaging systems are ongoing. However, few studies have investigated the optimal antenna design to maximise imaging performance. In this paper, the impact of the radial behaviour of the antenna on coverage area is investigated. A simplified antenna model in a homogeneous medium is used to estimate the power density and hence the coverage within the antenna array. Results from different antenna array configurations are compared, showing coverage can vary depending on the number of antennas used for multistatic imaging. The analysis is repeated for a lossy medium and highlights that losses increase the coverage estimation, although higher power and better signal-to-noise ratio would be required.In summary, this paper shows that the antenna radial behaviour can influence the coverage. In summary, this paper identifies preliminary limits on antenna design parameters to maximise coverage.