Numerical Computation of Temperature Elevation in Human Skin Due to Electromagnetic Exposure in the THz Frequency Range

Abstract

The ongoing development of new applications in the terahertz (THz) frequency range, such as wireless communication systems, full-body scanners, or other imaging procedures for biological and medical techniques, rapidly increases the number of persons who are potentially exposed to the electromagnetic radiation of those devices. Studies of thermal effects in humans caused by electromagnetic (EM) exposure with frequencies in the THz frequency range can rarely be found in the literature. In this paper, a method for the numerical computation of a potential thermal response in human skin due to EM fields between 0.1 and 10 THz is introduced. The method starts with the development of adequate simulation models for EM fields with penetration depths less than 1 mm. In a further step, it covers the provision of absolutely needed dielectric tissue parameters with help of the "effective medium theory," since material properties above 100 GHz are not listed in the commonly consulted databases. The absorbed power in EM exposed human skin models of different complexity is calculated and subsequently used as heat source for temperature simulations. Spatial and time-dependent temperature profiles in the tissue are analyzed for transient and continuous exposures.Index Terms-Dielectric tissue data, human skin exposure, numerical simulations, temperature elevation, terahertz (THz).

Biomedical Applications of Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging

“…To better determine the thermal and nonthermal effects of THz radiation, several key elements, such as reliable THz [ 2 3 _ T D $ D I F F ] equipments and dosimetric tools, as well as standardized designs and analyses, must be carefully considered in future experimental studies [85]. As a complementary method, the recently developed theoretical modeling used in the thermal analysis of tissue damage thresholds and temperature developments should have a more important role in future studies [100,101]. Moreover, few studies concerning measures to protect researchers from THz radiation have been reported due to a lack of risk assessment data.…”

Coupled Models in Electromagnetic and Energy Conversion Systems from Smart Theories Paradigm to That of Complex Events: A Review

“…We consider the case of EMSs, where besides EM, the thermal domain is present in the form of heat developing [24] or results in undesirable heating [25][26][27][28].…”

Cellular effects of terahertz waves

“… 34 , 41 , 165 , 166 Such mechanism is predominantly observed when using CW THz emitters. Mathematical modeling of THz-radiation interactions with different biological tissues 167 , 168 shows that even quite low duration of THz exposure (such as few milliseconds) can cause notable increase in the tissue temperature. 168 , 169 An increase in the cornea temperature of up to 70°C was shown when it was exposed to a CW 1.0 THz radiation with the irradiance of ; see Fig.…”