Abstract

Overview

In this paper, we detail the design and performance features of a new reverberation chamber (RC) specifically developed for biological research involving RF-EMF exposure in rodents at the University of Wollongong Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, Australia.

Design and Performance

• The focus was initially on the frequency of 1950 MHz, examining thermophysiological effects and Alzheimer's disease progression in genetically predisposed mice.
• The RC allows for minimal stress during exposure thanks to unrestrained movement, mitigating non-RF biological and behavioral changes.

Findings

The RC's performance was measured by the uniformity of Whole-Body Average-Specific Absorption Rate (WBA-SAR) across exposed mice, with findings showing a 3.89 dB expanded uncertainty. Confirmed accurate by limited temperature measurement validations in phantom mice, with a temperature-derived WBA-SAR to computed WBA-SAR maximum ratio of 1.1 dB.

Conclusion

Overall, the RC exposure system demonstrates a robust platform for studying RF-EMF effects with high reliability in SAR uniformity and minimal stress impacts on animal subjects.