A Dielectric Rod Antenna for Picosecond Pulse Stimulation of Neurological Tissue

A dielectrically loaded wideband rod antenna has been studied as a pulse delivery system to subcutaneous tissues. Simulation results applying 100-ps electrical pulse show that it allows us to generate a critical electric field for biological effects, such as brain stimulation, in the range of several centimeters. In order to reach the critical electric field for biological effects, which is ~20 kV/cm, at a depth of 2 cm, the input voltage needs to be 175 kV. The electric field spot size in the brain at this position is ~1 cm
²
. Experimental studies in free space with a conical antenna (part of the antenna system) with aluminum nitride as the dielectric have confirmed the accuracy of the simulation. These results set the foundation for high-voltage in situ experiments on the complete antenna system and the delivery of pulses to a biological tissue.