Average Dielectric Property Analysis of Non-Uniform Structures: Tissue Phantom Development, Ultra-Wideband Transmission Measurements, and Signal Processing Techniques

A new technique to analyze the average dielectric properties of complex structures has been developed. This technique uses microwave transmission measurements to estimate the complex permittivity of the object-under-test over a range of frequencies. First, time-gating is used to reduce multipath. Second, the antenna response is deconvolved from the measured data. Finally, with the object-under-test's response isolated, the average properties are estimated. To test and validate this work, dielectric materials with properties representing biological tissues and robust mechanical properties were developed. Reconfigurable tissue phantoms were created from combinations of these materials. In addition to testing the average property algorithms, these phantoms are well suited to testing a variety of microwave imaging methods. Complex breast phantoms were used to test the average dielectric property estimation technique, and accurate results were found. This technique was then applied to measurements of human breast tissue, and reasonable properties were estimated.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Garrett, John Daniel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fear, Elise

• Engineering--Biomedical
• Engineering--Electronics and Electrical

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/25086

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/1747