Space efficient system for small animal, whole body microwave exposure at 1.6 GHz

A space efficient, whole body microwave exposure system for unrestrained laboratory animals utilizing a flared parallel 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, an 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 3.6 m (d)×2.4 m (w)×1.6 m (h). Operating at 1.62 GHz, the system provided average power density of 3.7 W/m 2 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. Bioelectromagnetics 23:127–131, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.