Dual-radar 120 GHz Human Motion Detection for MRI Applications

Eftekhar F, Sura O, Nagel AM, Vossiek M (2026)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2026

Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.

Pages Range: 192-195

Conference Proceedings Title: GEMIC 2026 - 17th German Microwave Conference

Event location: Karlsruhe DE

ISBN: 9798319519559

DOI: 10.1109/GeMiC71240.2026.11516427

Abstract

For state-of-The-Art medical diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role. However, due to its sequential data acquisition, MRI is highly sensitive to patient motion, where even small movements can significantly degrade image quality. Reliable motion tracking during MRI is therefore essential. Existing approaches, such as optical tracking or MR-based navigators, suffer from limitations including the need for external markers or increased scan duration. This work presents a contactless, radar-based motion-Tracking setup suitable for operation within an MRI environment. The setup employs two compact 120 GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar systems. The concept was first implemented in a laboratory reference setup and subsequently validated during actual MRI scanning. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the differential radial range measured by the two radars and the subject's head-rotation angle, with no observable interference from the MRI system on the radar measurements and no radar-related artifacts in the reconstructed MR images. These findings confirm the feasibility of the presented radar-based motion tracking during MRI acquisition.

Authors with CRIS profile

Fatemeh Eftekhar Lehrstuhl für Hochfrequenztechnik (LHFT) Oliver Sura Lehrstuhl für Hochfrequenztechnik (LHFT) Armin Michael Nagel Professur für metabolische und funktionelle MR-Bildgebung Martin Vossiek Lehrstuhl für Hochfrequenztechnik (LHFT)

How to cite

APA:

Eftekhar, F., Sura, O., Nagel, A.M., & Vossiek, M. (2026). Dual-radar 120 GHz Human Motion Detection for MRI Applications. In GEMIC 2026 - 17th German Microwave Conference (pp. 192-195). Karlsruhe, DE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc..

MLA:

Eftekhar, Fatemeh, et al. "Dual-radar 120 GHz Human Motion Detection for MRI Applications." Proceedings of the 17th German Microwave Conference, GEMIC 2026, Karlsruhe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2026. 192-195.

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