UnderGraduate Research

This project presents the prototype design for detection of the effect on the lungs using microwave imaging technique due to COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) says Covid-19 is now the top cause of mortality globally. It harms the human lungs. Constant monitoring of pulmonary fluid levels is one of the most effective methods to identify Corona Virus early Chest X-rays, computational tomography (CT)-scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most widely used devices for fluid detection. However, they lack sensitivity to ionizing radiation and are not generally accessible. Moreover, current equipment cannot be utilized in mobile emergency units such as ambulances or rural clinics. This thesis is devoted to the creation of a low-cost, portable, and non-invasive instrument for the detection of the Corona Virus.

The simulation of the system included the antenna design, 3D human lung model, COMSOL model creation, and image processing to estimate the percentage of lung damage. The simulation included three parts. The first component involves mode switching of four array antennas (transmit and receive). The experiment used microwave tomography. The second component of the simulation examines the lung's bioheat and electromagnetic waves using microwave near-field imaging. The image generation under various settings is examined, as well as the multiple electromagnetic variables observed at the receiving device. The simulation's last portion shows the impacted area of the lung phantom and the degree of damage.

For the first time, a comprehensive multilayer human thorax was built and studied in COMSOL Multiphysics, with the results of this research being modeled and implemented into a simulation platform for further investigation. The antenna design approach used in this study is one-of-a-kind owing to its material composition and acceptable bandwidth range, and it has the potential to be used in biological research in the future.

The hardware implementation procedure could not continue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the concept was developed through simulation using a variety of software tools, and the results were satisfactory, showing that the project was possible. For the diagnosis and monitoring of fluid buildup inside the lungs as a symptom of many malignant illnesses caused by COVID-19, a complete investigation of the design and verification of several configurations, as well as the resultant systems and clinical scanners, was undertaken.