Software-based microwave CT system consisting of antennas and vector network analyzer

We have developed a software-based microwave CT (SMCT) that consists of antennas and a vector network analyzer. Regardless of the scanner type, SMCT collects the S-parameters at each measurement position in the frequency range of interest. After collecting all the S-parameters, it calculates the shortest path to obtain the projection data for CPMCT. Because of the redundant data in SMCT, the calculation of the projection is easily optimized. Therefore, the system can improve the accuracy and stability of the measurement. Furthermore, the experimental system is constructed at a reasonable cost. Hence, SMCT is useful for imaging experiments for CP-MCT and particularly for basic studies. This paper describes the software-based microwave imaging system, and experimental results show the usefulness of the system.