Metamaterial-Based Microstrip Antenna for Safe Detection of Tiny Breast Tumors

This study describes the construction of a compact microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with a triangular-shaped metamaterial layer for the safe detection of tiny breast tumors at 2.4 GHz. The metamaterial considerably improves the antenna's gain and directivity when compared to typical designs that do not include it, resulting in improved detection performance. The radiating patch of proposed antenna measures 29.3 × 38 × 1.6 mm and has been tested through simulations and experimental tests, exhibiting successful tumor identification in a realistic breast phantom. The results of both calculations and testing demonstrate a sensitivity of 6.643 dB/mm, allowing for precise detection of tumors with a radius as tiny as 1.5 mm. Furthermore, the design has a low SAR value of 0.0644 W/kg, which ensures safety during operation. Overall, this antenna's compact shape makes it an excellent contender for breast cancer detection and early diagnosis applications, exceeding current designs in terms of sensitivity and safety.