An Electromagnetic‐Coupled LHCP Stacked Antenna Design in L Band for Deep Tumor Detection

Abstract

Early detection of tumors improve treatment efficiency and the prognosis of tumor recurrence. Microwave imaging (MWI) is an effective modality in detection of tumor. Yet, this is challenged by strong signal attenuation and scattering caused by the dielectric heterogeneity of the human head. In this paper, we report a left‐hand circularly polarized stacked antenna operating in the L‐band (1.1–1.6 GHz) designed to improve signal penetration and reduce multipath interference. The reported antenna comprises of an electromagnetic coupling (EMC) stacked configuration with dual radiating patches separated by a foam spacer, a modified ground plane, and low‐loss Rogers RT/duroid 6010 substrates. Strategic slotting in both the radiating patches and ground plane improves current distribution and impedance matching. This results in an average VSWR of 1.2 and a minimum return loss of dB at resonance. Full‐wave simulations and experimental validation demonstrate stable circular polarization, improved radiation sensitivity, and enhanced detection capability for deep‐seated tumors as small as 2 mm. These findings indicate that the proposed antenna design is well‐suited for integration into non‐invasive MWI‐based diagnostic systems.