Near-Field Microwave Imaging and Sensing for Medical Applications: Challenges and Opportunities

Microwaves are no longer confined to communication and radar—they are increasingly being harnessed to probe the human body. Their ability to safely, non-ionizing, and non-destructively penetrate biological tissues makes them powerful tools for medical diagnostics and monitoring. In recent years, near-field microwave imaging and sensing have emerged as promising techniques that blend electromagnetic theory, antenna design, and advanced signal processing with clinical relevance. This talk will explore how near-field microwave systems can “see” beyond the surface—detecting, classifying, and monitoring pathological conditions through subtle dielectric contrasts in biological tissues. At the heart of this technology lies a simple yet powerful idea: the dielectric properties of tissues change with their physiological state. By illuminating a region of interest with low-power microwaves (typically 1–15 GHz) and measuring the back-scattered signals, it is possible to reconstruct images or infer functional parameters that reveal disease-related anomalies. Such methods promise cost-effective, portable, and accessible alternatives—or complements—to existing modalities like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT(computed tomography), particularly in contexts where those technologies are impractical or unavailable. After introducing the fundamentals of near-field microwave interaction with biological media and the role of antennas as both emitters and sensors, the talk will highlight several frontline applications, including brain stroke diagnosis and monitoring, and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, using both imaging and sensing approaches. Beyond neurological disorders, microwave near-field systems are showing promise for other medical applications, including breast cancer screening, glucose monitoring, and image-guided thermal therapies. Each application demands a careful balance between electromagnetic design, imaging algorithms, and clinical usability—highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of this research field. The talk will conclude by discussing current challenges and future perspectives: the need for standardized phantoms and datasets, the integration of artificial intelligence for real-time diagnostics, and the translation of laboratory prototypes into clinically validated tools. As young engineers and scientists, we stand at the intersection of electromagnetics, data science, and medicine—fields that, when combined, hold the potential to reshape how we perceive and monitor the human body. Near-field microwave imaging exemplifies this convergence, transforming antennas and sensors into gateways for medical innovation. Speaker(s): David Rodriguez Room: Salon 201 – Sala FIUN, Bldg: Edificio 411, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Distrito Capital de Bogota, Colombia, 110311