This project will perform research on a technique of three.dimensional fourier mapping of microwave scattering by frequency sweeping. The research could lead to development of an imaging system for dielectric evaluation and for medical diagnosis. While there exist many imaging techniques, direct imaging of dielectric profiles is currently unavailable. The microwave dose for imaging of the human body is expected to be on the order of microwatts per gram to tens of microwatts per gram, which is two to three orders of magnitude below the recommended safety level. The image will provide a dielectric profile of the target with a resolution of about 3 mm in each of the three dimensions. As a result of the sensitivity of dielectric permittivity with respect to various biological tissues, this method of imaging should provide greater contrast between tumor and normal tissues than other imaging techniques. The technique might also be useful for non.invasive evaluation of other materials where dielectric profile is needed, or in the mapping of other physical parameters such as temperature or pressure.
