In his paper entitled “Dual Graded Index Dielectric Lens System for Hyperthermia” Dr Fernando Albarracin, Lead FR & Electronics Researcher at Directed Energy Research Center, at Technology Innovation Institute, has presented a novel design for a microwave applicator for hyperthermia, potentially useful for the treatment of cancer.
The new approach is based on the combination of two flat dielectric graded-index (GRIN) lenses. The underlying idea is to effectively localize the electromagnetic energy within a single spot where the malign tissue is, and then, generate heat in it in a controllable way. The proposed system is a suitable alternative to conventional antenna-based applicators. The presented approach considers the interface between free-space and human-tissue, an aspect that has been disregarded by the conventional microwave applicators reported so far.
The figures below sketch the proposed system (left), and the areas inside the human tissue where the increase in temperature is expected (right).
Figure 1. Sketch of the dual-lens depth-controlled system. (a) Side view and (b) front view. (c) Focused Electromagnetic Radiation inside the Human Tissue as the computation of the PLD.