Research Article
On the Use of a Dielectric Matching Layer for Ultra Wideband Medical Applications
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/icst.bodynets.2012.249948, author={Ali Khaleghi and Raul Chavez Santiago and Ilangko Balasingham}, title={On the Use of a Dielectric Matching Layer for Ultra Wideband Medical Applications}, proceedings={7th International Conference on Body Area Networks}, publisher={ICST}, proceedings_a={BODYNETS}, year={2012}, month={11}, keywords={dielectric materials matching layer medical applications radio propagation ultra wideband}, doi={10.4108/icst.bodynets.2012.249948} }- Ali Khaleghi
Raul Chavez Santiago
Ilangko Balasingham
Year: 2012
On the Use of a Dielectric Matching Layer for Ultra Wideband Medical Applications
BODYNETS
ICST
DOI: 10.4108/icst.bodynets.2012.249948
Abstract
Ultra wideband (UWB) radio signals have gained significant attention for emerging medical applications. All these diagnostic and therapeutic methods necessitate the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves toward or from the human body. In such scenarios, a segment of the wave propagation path is inside the human body and the other segment is outside, i.e., in the free-space. This geometry creates an impedance mismatch between the two propagation environments, which results in inefficient power transmission of the EM wave. In order to improve the EM wave coupling to/from the body, a matching layer of dielectric material with the appropriate permittivity value can be used. This paper analyzes the effect of a single layer of dielectric material on the propagation of an UWB wave through the human chest in the 100–1000 MHz frequency range. Path loss models for different matching layer materials were obtained and a guideline for selecting the appropriate permittivity value is presented.