Nonuniform Exposure to the Cornea from Millimeter Waves

Authors: Kenneth R Foster, Ilkka Laakso, Steven Chalfin

Year: 2021 May 1

Category: Health Physics

Journal: Health Phys

DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001376

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33760769/

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the effects of nonuniform exposure to the human cornea from millimeter waves, specifically within the 94-100 GHz frequency range.

Findings

  • Previous research noted significant temperature increases in the rhesus cornea from brief high-fluence millimeter wave exposure.
  • Current study uses high-resolution simulations to model temperature variations and potential thermal lesions from different polarizations of millimeter waves.
  • It was found that peak temperature increases could reach up to 2.8 times the median increase under certain conditions.
  • Localized variations in energy absorption due to interference from nearby structures were pivotal in understanding exposure effects.

Conclusion

Exposures that far exceed current safety guidelines from IEEE and ICNIRP highlight the potential risk from nonlethal weapons systems and other intense millimeter wave sources. Safety standards currently in place may need re-evaluation for nonuniform exposure scenarios, considering the local variations and interference effects observed.

millimeter waves corneal exposure electromagnetic fields thermal damage nonlethal weapons
← Back to Stats