Sensitivity enhancement of an antenna sensor by using sextuple notch bands for application in cancer detection

Abstract

Abstract In this study, a sextuple band-notched ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna sensor with slots in the feedline and parasitics is proposed. This is used for cancer detection in breast and skin phantom. The antenna sensor operates a bandwidth of 2.45–16 GHz. The dielectric properties of malignant cells are completely distinct from healthy cells, EM waves passing through the cells recognize a malignant. S11 parameters of the antenna are analyzed with the help of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) after placing the antenna on the phantoms. Further, the statistical machine learning concept of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is utilized for more vivid detection of malignant cells. The bands WiMax (2.8–3.4 GHz), radio astronomy (4.75–5.8 GHz), satellite communication (6.7–7.5 GHz, 9.2–10.9 GHz and 12.95–13.55 GHz) and SHF band (15.43–15.63 GHz), create interferences within the UWB spectrum. The interfering bands are removed by slot loading and parasitics. Thus, the sensitivity of the antenna sensor improved.