A Multiprobe-Per-Collector Modulated Scatterer Technique for Microwave Tomography

Scattering probes with collector antennas can be utilized for microwave tomography (MWT) applications based on the modulated scatterer technique. Using this technique, we previously demonstrated a novel tomography system that utilizes a single printed-wire probe in front of each collector of a multicollector MWT system. Each collector is implemented as a multilayer Vivaldi antenna. In this letter, the number of collector antennas is reduced while maintaining the number of probes. This results in a nonuniform distribution of probes with respect to the collectors and requires special calibration techniques to infer the scattered-field at the probe location. The advantages of using such a configuration for MWT are investigated. Image reconstructions for a number of targets using data collected from this system are shown and compared to results obtained from data collected using a standard MWT system that uses only the Vivaldi antennas. It is shown that the new configuration successfully extracts useful data at the locations of the probes, resulting in good tomographic constructions.