Objective: The potentialities of improving the penetration of millimeter waves for breast cancer imaging are here explored.
Methods: A field focusing technique based on a convex optimization method is proposed, capable of increasing the field level inside a breast-emulating stratification.
Results: The theoretical results are numerically validated via the design and simulation of two circularly polarized antennas. The experimental validation of the designed antennas, using tissue-mimicking phantoms, is provided, being in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Conclusion: The possibility of focusing, within a lossy medium, the electromagnetic power at millimeter-wave frequencies is demonstrated.
Significance: Field focusing can be a key for using millimeter waves for breast cancer detection.