Iranian
Biomedical Journal
Volume 30, Issue 2 (Supplementary 2026)
IBJ 2026, 30(2): 58-58 |
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Molavi Choobini A A, Zamaninejad F, Shahmansouri M. Triple-Debye Composite Dielectric Modeling and Multi-Layer Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation of Terahertz Pulse Reflection for Breast Cancer Detection. IBJ 2026; 30 (2) :58-58
URL: http://ibj.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-5561-en.html
URL: http://ibj.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-5561-en.html
Abstract:
Introduction: Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy enables non-invasive breast cancer detection by exploiting the dielectric contrast between healthy and malignant tissues, which is largely governed by water content and molecular binding. In this study, a broadband THz pulse generated via laser-plasma interaction is used.
Materials and Methods: To improve tissue discrimination, we introduce an enhanced Triple-Debye dielectric model that captures multiple water-related relaxation processes relevant to breast tissue composition. The Triple-Debye model was fitted to in vivo refractive index and absorption data from freshly excised breast tissues, achieving R² > 0.98. Heterogeneous regions within the tissue were represented using a Bruggeman effective-medium model, which combines adipose tissue (ε ≈ 2.5), fibrous tissue (ε ≈ 5.2), and tumor tissue (ε ≈ 6.8). Pulse propagation was simulated using a multi-layer finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)–auxiliary differential equation framework for a stack consisting of quartz, adipose tissue, tumor, and muscle.
Results and Discussion: The Triple-Debye model provided significantly improved permittivity fitting compared to double-Debye formulations, especially below 0.5 THz. FDTD simulations showed tumor-induced pulse broadening (full width at half maximum: 0.96 ps vs. 0.81 ps) and >18% amplitude reduction due to higher water content in malignant tissue. By analyzing pulse-shape parameters, the integrated model achieved >92% accuracy in distinguishing tumor from healthy tissue, highlighting its potential for intraoperative margin evaluation.
Conclusion: By combining Triple-Debye modeling, effective-medium theory, and FDTD simulations, this work provides a robust computational framework for THz-based breast cancer detection. The observed pulse broadening and attenuation serve as reliable diagnostic markers, supporting real-time intraoperative imaging applications.
Materials and Methods: To improve tissue discrimination, we introduce an enhanced Triple-Debye dielectric model that captures multiple water-related relaxation processes relevant to breast tissue composition. The Triple-Debye model was fitted to in vivo refractive index and absorption data from freshly excised breast tissues, achieving R² > 0.98. Heterogeneous regions within the tissue were represented using a Bruggeman effective-medium model, which combines adipose tissue (ε ≈ 2.5), fibrous tissue (ε ≈ 5.2), and tumor tissue (ε ≈ 6.8). Pulse propagation was simulated using a multi-layer finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)–auxiliary differential equation framework for a stack consisting of quartz, adipose tissue, tumor, and muscle.
Results and Discussion: The Triple-Debye model provided significantly improved permittivity fitting compared to double-Debye formulations, especially below 0.5 THz. FDTD simulations showed tumor-induced pulse broadening (full width at half maximum: 0.96 ps vs. 0.81 ps) and >18% amplitude reduction due to higher water content in malignant tissue. By analyzing pulse-shape parameters, the integrated model achieved >92% accuracy in distinguishing tumor from healthy tissue, highlighting its potential for intraoperative margin evaluation.
Conclusion: By combining Triple-Debye modeling, effective-medium theory, and FDTD simulations, this work provides a robust computational framework for THz-based breast cancer detection. The observed pulse broadening and attenuation serve as reliable diagnostic markers, supporting real-time intraoperative imaging applications.
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Type of Study: Congress |
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