SAR CHARACTERIZATION OF FOCUSED PLANAR ARRAY OF WATER-LOADED MODIFIED BOX-HORNS FOR HYPERTHERMIA

A 4×4 planar array of modified box-horns as a microwave hyperthermia applicator is theoretically studied to characterize power deposition (SAR) in heating tissue (muscle) at 2450 MHz. A modified box-horn is a novel improved version of conventional box-horn in which horn exciting the box waveguide is flared in both E-and H-planes. Modified box-horn supports TE₁₀ and TE₃₀ modes. The amplitude distribution over the H-plane of the box-horn aperture is a closer approximation to the uniform distribution. It is proposed that the interior of the box-horn be filled with water to provide a better impedance match to biological tissue. By applying Fresnel-Kirchhoff scalar diffraction field theory, the expression for electric field in heating region is derived and distribution of specific absorption rate (SAR) in that region due to planar array of modified box-horns as direct contact applicator is evaluated at 2450 MHz. The results of modified box-horn array are compared with those of a single modified box-horn operating at the same frequency. Results demonstrate that planar array of modified box-horns offers improvement in SAR distribution and penetration depth. It is shown that by changing the phase and amplitude of excitation of the modified box-horns of the array, the relative amplitude and position of the hot spot can be changed. The present analysis is validated through the results obtained by plane wave spectral technique.