MICROWAVE THERMOACOUSTIC TOMAGRAPHIC IMAGING

Abstract After introducing the principles of thermoacoustic tomography, we summarize the mechanisms and models of the dielectric properties of biological tissues in the microwave frequency range. Next, we introduce some theoretical results from studies of thermoacoustic tomography, including information about optimal microwave frequencies, effects of acoustical heterogeneity, limited‐view thermoacoustic tomography, reconstruction algorithms, and spatial resolution. Experimental setups are then reviewed in terms of their specifications and performance, and results from phantom, animal, and human imaging are summarized. Finally, in the interest of clinical applications, safety and practical considerations are reviewed.