Conformal L-notch patch antennas for human brain monitoring using the SAM head model

Non-Invasive Microwave Radiometric System for Intracranial Applications: A Study Using the Conformal L-Notch Microstrip Patch Antenna

“…To overcome simple microstrip antennas' narrow bandwidth and single resonant frequency a special L cut was imported on the upper left corner of the rectangular microstrip patch antenna. This cut resulted to a multiband successful performance of the antenna (two resonant frequencies) and an enhancement of each frequency's bandwidth [17] a phenomenon that occurs as the notch introduces additional coupling between the upper edge of the rectangular patch and the ground plane [20]. Finally, it must be noted that the SMA position on the patch and the dimensions of the L-notch constitute influential parameters for matching the different impedances and defining the resonant frequencies and their bandwidth [21].…”

“…In specific applications like biomedical radiometry, microstrip patch antennas offer a considerable improvement in the radiator functional features: a) good heating efficiency in their boresight direction, b) small size, leading to better detectability (the smaller the antenna size, the smaller the malignancy that can be detected) and portability, c) ease of conformal and lightweight construction which improves coupling to body parts and d) ease of array combinations leading to extra detecting advantages [17]. The current utilization of microstrip antennas concerns the near-field electromagnetic (EM) energy detection from biological head tissue.…”

“…The innovation of our system is the conformal L-notch microstrip patch antenna [17,18] that is used as a single or in a two-element antenna array whereas a sensitive Dicke switch receiver operating at low microwave frequencies (1-3.5 GHz) completes the system. Its design and development has been based on detailed electromagnetic analysis while validation experiments have been performed using phantoms.…”