A Review on Microwave Tomography System

Abstract

Microwave Tomography (MWT) is an emerging imaging modality that utilizes electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to reconstruct the dielectric properties of an object. This paper reviews the fundamental principles, system construction, and diverse applications of MWT, particularly in the medical, industrial, and civil engineering fields. Unlike X-ray or CT scans, MWT offers a non-invasive, non-ionizing, and cost-effective solution for imaging soft tissues, making it highly suitable for early breast cancer detection, brain stroke diagnosis, and myocardial infarction imaging. The system operates by measuring the scattering of microwave signals caused by variations in permittivity and conductivity within the target. The review also highlights MWT's utility in hydrogeophysics for soil moisture analysis and in civil engineering for non-destructive testing of concrete structures. Despite challenges in image reconstruction due to diffraction and scattering, advancements in inverse scattering algorithms continue to improve spatial resolution and diagnostic accuracy.