Abstract
Abstract. Field exposition experiments have been initiated by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz – BfS) to examine genotoxic effects of THz radiation in vitro. Two different human skin cell types are exposed to continuous-wave radiation at six distinct frequencies between 100 GHz and 2.52 THz originating from different sources of THz radiation under defined environmental conditions. The cell containers are irradiated with free space power flux densities between 0.1 mW/cm2 and 2 mW/cm2 measured traceable to the SI units. For meaningful results, dosimetric calculations using the finite differences time-domain method have been performed in order to access the fields and consequently the specific absorption rate (SAR) in the cell layer.
Highlights
With the increasing amount of applications utilizing THz radiation appearing on the market the question of health protection in non-ionizing electromagnetic fields arises for sub-mm radiation, (KleineOstmann et al, 2006)
In order to quantify and reliably evaluate the stress imposed on the living cells, it is necessary to determine the specific absorption rate (SAR) within a monolayer of cells covered by culture medium in a cell container
The bottom of this container consists of a 200 μm thick foil which is transparent in the frequency range of interest on which the cells are fixed as a monolayer in a spot of 12 mm diameter in the center
Summary
With the increasing amount of applications utilizing THz radiation appearing on the market (e.g. communication links, Piesiewicz et al, 2007, spectroscopy and quality control inspection systems, and security screening systems, Siegel, 2002) the question of health protection in non-ionizing electromagnetic fields arises for sub-mm radiation, (KleineOstmann et al, 2006). Like in the frequency range below, it is still not clear whether non-ionizing RF radiation below the thermal damage threshold could cause detrimental effects in living organisms. In order to quantify and reliably evaluate the stress imposed on the living cells, it is necessary to determine the SAR within a monolayer of cells covered by culture medium in a cell container. In this contribution we show first dosimetric calculations to quantify the power introduction into the cell layer. Results are valid both for isothermic and open boundary conditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
