Electromagnetic Analysis of an Aperture Modified TEM Cell Including an ITO Layer for Real-Time Observation of Biological Cells Exposed to Microwaves

We propose to analyze the aperture and ITO layer presence of a modified transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell. This TEM cell can be used to study the potential effects of microwave electromagnetic fields on biological cells. This modified delivery device allows real-time observation of biological cells during exposure. Microscopic observation is achieved through an aperture in the lower wall of the TEM cell that is sealed with a 700-nm film of the transparent conducting material Indium tin oxide (ITO). To determine the device efficiency, numerical and experimental electromagnetic dosimetry was conducted. For assessing the effect of the aperture on the specific absorption rate (SAR) in the exposed sample, a plastic Petri dish containing cell culture medium, full-wave 3-D electromagnetic simulations and temperature measurements were performed. For 1-W input power, the SAR values obtained at 1.8GHz in the sample exposed in the TEM cell with the sealed or non-sealed aperture of 20-mm diameter were 1.1W/kg and 23.6W/kg, respectively. An excellent homogeneity of the SAR distribution was achieved when the aperture was sealed with the ITO layer. The performance of the delivery system was confirmed by microwave exposure and simultaneous observation of living cells.