Impact of Anthropomorphic Shape and Skin Stratification on Absorbed Power Density in mmWaves Exposure Scenarios

Authors: Gallucci S, Benini M, Bonato M, Galletta V, Chiaramello E, Fiocchi S, Tognola G, Parazzini M

Year: 2025 Jul 17

Category: Bioelectromagnetics, Dosimetry

Journal: Sensors (Basel)

DOI: 10.3390/s25144461

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4461

Abstract

Overview

As data exchange demands increase in widespread wearable technologies, there is a transition to higher bandwidths and mmWave frequencies (30-300 GHz), which raises valid concerns about radiofrequency (RF) exposure risks. At such elevated frequencies, human skin becomes the principal tissue of interest for RF power absorption because electromagnetic field (EMF) penetration is predominantly superficial.

Study Purpose

  • To assess the impact of different skin models on the estimation of absorbed power density (APD) during mmWave exposure.
  • This study utilizes FDTD simulations on two realistic human models:
    • (i) Skin modeled with a two-layer structure (stratum corneum, viable epidermis and dermis layers).
    • (ii) Skin modeled as a homogeneous dermis stratum.
  • APD results are compared to those from standard flat phantom (test dummy) models, both with and without skin stratification.

Findings

  • Exposure assessment was performed using two sources:
    • A wearable patch antenna
    • A plane wave
  • Frequency: All exposure scenarios were conducted at 28 GHz.
  • For the wearable antenna, absorbed power density levels were always higher in the stratified skin model compared to the homogeneous skin model, with percentage increases from 16% up to 30%. This effect was especially strong in the female body model.
  • For the plane wave exposure, the differences in absorbed power density between skin models were less pronounced, remaining below 11%.

Conclusion

The structure and modeling of human skin significantly influences numerical dosimetric assessments at mmWave frequencies commonly used by modern wireless and wearable technologies. Failure to account for skin stratification can substantially underestimate true exposure levels, particularly with wearable device sources. This work underscores the connection between EMF modeling choices and the potential health risks in mmWave RF exposure scenarios.

mmWave absorbed power density skin stratification wearable technology FDTD simulation RF exposure dosimetry
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