Performance and Validation of a Broadband- Multigeneration Exposure System for Unconstrained Rats

In view of actual electromagnetic environment of multiple-frequency exposure, we have developed a whole-body exposure system for a multigeneration bio-effect test with rats at frequencies between 800 MHz and 5.2 GHz. We first experimentally evaluated the system performances such as antenna performance, electric field distribution, and specific absorption rate (SAR) in the exposure system. Then, after an experimental validation of the finite-difference time-domain modeling of the exposure system, we employed it to make a statistical SAR analysis for anatomical rat models. We first took documentary photographs of rat activity inside the exposure system every 5 min in real time. Then, by identifying the rat positions in each photograph, we derived the frequency of rats staying in various positions in the exposure system. Using the stay frequency as a weighting factor, we derived the whole-body average SAR statistical characteristics for the multiple-frequency exposure system during the entire multigeneration experimental period. The developed system and demonstrated approach provide a high-quality means for biological effect test of radio frequency exposure in wide frequency bands.