State-of-the-art exposure chamber for highly controlled and reproducible THz biological effects studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Terahertz (THz) imaging and sensing technologies are increasingly being used at international airports for security screening purposes and at majo r medical centers for cancer and burn diagnos is. The emergence of new THz applications has directly resulted in an increased interest regarding the biological effects associated with this frequency range. Knowledge of THz biological effects is al so desired for the safe use of THz systems, identification of health hazards, and development of empirically-based safety standards. In this study, we developed a state-of-the-art exposure chamber that allowed for highly controlled and reproducible studies of THz bi ological effects. This inno vative system incorporated an industry grade cell incubator system that permitted a highly controlled exposure environmen t, where temperatures could be maintained at 37 °C ± 0.1 °C, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels at 5% ± 0.1%, and relative humidity (RH) levels at 95% ± 1%. To maximize the THz power transmitted to the cell culture region inside the humid incubator, a secondary custom micro-chamber was fabricated and incorp orated into the system. This micro-chamber shields the THz beam from the incubator environment and could be nitrogen-purged to eliminate water absorption effects. Additionally, a microscope that allowed for real-time visualization of the live cells before, during, and after THz exposure was integrated into the exposure system. Keywords: Terahertz, exposure, in vitro , biological effects, incubator, enclosur e, cell homeostasis, real-time monitoring *Cesario.z.cerna.ctr@mail.mil; phone 1 210 539-8130; fax 1 210 539-7945