Thesis Code: 22003

Thesis Type: Master Thesis for Telecommunication/Electronic Engineering

Research Area: Advanced Computing, Photonics and Electromagnetics (CPE)

Requirements
• MS students in Telecommunication Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or equivalent
• Experience with embedded software programming using the C language
• Knowledge of data acquisition and control systems
• Basic knowledge of PCB design
• Good knowledge of basic concepts of RF electronics
• Basic knowledge of EM fields
• Experience with electronic instruments (the thesis will include laboratory activities)

Description
Microwave cancer hyperthermia is a type of medical treatment in which tumor cells are selectively exposed to a supra-physiological temperature (42/43 °C) using proper antenna systems [1]. For internal tumors, this is currently achieved by means of an array of antennas equipped with a proper cooling system (the water bolus) to avoid overheating of the skin [2]. Since the effectiveness of a hyperthermia treatment is strictly dependent on the quality of the heating process, a treatment planning is fundamental to optimally set the amplitudes and phases of the applied signals. In order to maximize the effectiveness of the selective heating process, a real-time control of the antenna feeding parameters is required, together with an active control system to correct any non-ideal behaviour, thus ensuring the gain and phases remain constant throughout the whole operation of the system.

Starting from a demonstrator reproducing an array applicator for hyperthermia in the head and neck region, this thesis aims at designing an all-in-one solution for the control of the antenna array, including the source signal generation, the measurement, and the control system, on a single PCB.

References
1. N. R. Datta et al., “Local hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy and-/or chemotherapy: Recent advances and promises for the future,”, Cancer Treat. Rev., vol. 41, no. 9, pp. 742-53, 2015.
2. M. M. Paulides et al., “The HYPERcollar: A novel applicator for hyperthermia in the head and neck,” Int. J. Hyperthermia, vol. 23, no. 7, pp. 567-76, 2007.

Contact: send a resume with attached the list of exams to rossella.gaffoglio@linksfoundation.com specifying the thesis code and title.