A double-sideband continuous-wave radar sensor for carotid wall movement detection

A radar sensor suitable to record carotid wall movements has been developed and tested. The sensor is based on a double-sideband continuous-wave coherent transceiver, operating at 2.45 GHz, and on a bow-tie planar antenna optimized to operate in contact with the neck. Measured transceiver responses on a sliding short load are in good agreement with an analytical model and simulation results. An artificial model of the neck with an embedded pulsatile carotid-artery mockup has been built to test the radar. When the radar antenna is placed in contact with the neck model, an output voltage signal following the carotid diameter variations is measured. The signal amplitude follows the pressure wave imposed on the carotid artery mockup.