Metamaterial-inspired Wearable Pad for Enhancing EM Coupling with Biological Tissues

Abstract: Wearable, implantable, and ingestible antennas are continuously evolving in biomedical applications, as they are crucial components in devices used for monitoring and controlling physiological parameters. This work presents an experimentally validated wearable pad which can improve transmission of electromagnetic waves into the human body. This metamaterial-inspired matching pad, which is based on small metallic loops encased in a thin dielectric layer, is mechanically stable, flexible, and passive. As such, the pad can serve as a coupling medium for microwave medical systems and implantable device communication. Operating in the 2.4-2.5 GHz range, the pad demonstrates significant improvement in signal penetration levels (and, hence, depth) into a biological tissue. The study presents design methodology, simulation studies, in-lab development, and experimental characterization of this pad, which can offer a practical solution for enhanced communication and functionality in various medical diagnostic systems.