Compact emission antennas on high-permittivity ceramic for use in electromagnetic hyperthermia

Emission antenna for hyperthermia having optimised physical dimensions and which heats the biological tissues in depth and uniformly, with operating frequencies below 500 MHz, and focusing the RF energy (phased array). The use of a dielectric ceramic of high permittivity ( epsilon r = 80; 160), in conjunction with the technology of microstrips (patch antennas), permits the construction of emission antennas of extremely restricted dimensions and of reduced weight, having operating frequencies below 500 MHZ. The ceramic employed has low losses and permits very high levels of efficiency to be achieved. The emission antenna may be used on its own or may be employed advantageously in the construction of emission antennas which are flexible and conformable, in order to obtain a uniformity of deposition of power exceeding that which can be achieved using conventional emission antennas, with the same surface area and frequency. It is particularly suitable as a module for the construction of phased arrays.