A waveguide applicator for in vitro exposures to single or multiple ICT frequencies

A standardized exposure device, already used at 1.95 GHz for in vitro bioelectromagnetic studies, has been further characterized and upgraded for exposing cell cultures to single or multiple frequencies used by information and communication technologies, such as GSM, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, and Wi-Fi systems. The applicator consists of a customized WR-430 waveguide, and cell culture exposures can be performed in either a one- or multiple-sample configuration. Single-frequency scenarios were characterized for exposures at 1.8, 1.95, and 2.45 GHz, obtaining high efficiency (ranging from 51% to 87% in the single-sample exposure and from 60% to 93% in the multiple-sample exposure) and acceptable nonuniformity degree (about 33% in all cases). Moreover, optimization and characterization for exposures to multiple signals, either simultaneously or in close sequence, were also carried out with good results (efficiency ranging from 30% to 40% and nonuniformity degree of about 35%). Numerical dosimetry was validated by measurements (scattering parameters and calorimetric measurements through infrared camera) and a very satisfying agreement has been found between simulations and experimental data.