A space efficient, whole body microwave exposure system for unrestrained laboratory animals utilizing a flared prallel plate waveguide is described. The system comprises an Iridium wireless signal source, signal generator, power supply and amplifier (400 W), a coax to waveguide transition, and open ended, flared parallel plate waveguide, and animal exposure area with a dipole field sensing antenna. Across the waveguide aperture the system provides uniform exposure (?3 dB incident RF power density) for small animals (rats, mice or hamsters) in up to 18 standard cages for housing groups of animals. Overall system dimensions are 3.6m (d) x 2.4 m (w) x 1.6m (h). Operating at 1.62 GHz, the system provided average power density of 3.7 W/m2 in the cage area, resulting in a calculated whole body dose of 0.07 W/kg and a calculated average brain dose of 0.19 W/kg.
Revised: February 28, 2002 |
Published: February 11, 2002
Citation
Wilson B.W., A. Faraone, D.M. Sheen, M. Swicord, W.R. Park, J. Morrissey, and J.A. Creim, et al. 2002.Space Efficient System for Small Animal, Whole Body Microwave Exposure at 1.6 GHz.Bioelectromagnetics 23, no. 2:127-131. PNWD-SA-5534.