RESONANCE ABSORPTION OF MICROWAVES BY THE HUMAN SKULL.

Resonance absorption of microwaves by the human skull is examined by making computerized calculations of theoretical models of the skull. The calculated relative absorption versus frequency is plotted and compared for homogeneous and inhomogeneous skull models. At a frequency of maximum power absorption, the spatial distribution of intracranial field intensity (based upon the theoretical model) is also calculated and plotted. Modeling the skull as a multilayered sphere corresponding to skin, fat, bone, dura, cerebrospinal fluid, and the brain (six concentric spheres), each layer having a specific conductivity and dielectric constant expressed as a function of frequency, there has been developed a computer program for calculating the relative absorption and internal distribution of electric field intensity at microwave frequencies. Of particular interest is a broad relative absorption peak near 2. 1 GHz that does not appear for the homogeneous skull model. Since the multilayered sphere represents a closer approach to reality in modeling the human skull at microwave frequencies, the leakage from microwave ovens operating at 2. 45 GHz may be a greater hazard to human health than is now being recognized.

Duke Scholars

Author William T. Joines Electrical and Computer Engineering