Conformal K-band 5 element waveguide array for near-field applications

Microwave hyperthermia is one of the important tools in the therapeutic and noninvasive treatment of tumors on the surface or just below the surface of the human body. The precise focusing of beams is still challenging, and the conformal antenna array is a prospective solution to this problem, owing to the flexible contour of the array geometry, which can blend with the local body surface area. This work describes the design and fabrication of a 5 element K-band waveguide array (18-26 GHz) constructed in the RF and Microwave Laboratory, UC Davis. The array has four directing waveguides and one focusing waveguide, and conformal shape can be achieved by movement of the only the focusing waveguide.