SAR and temperature elevation in a multi-layered human head model due to an obliquely incident plane wave

Abstract

In this paper, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) distribution in a human head irradiated by an obliquely incident electromagnetic plane wave is studied. A simple planar multi-layered structure is used to model the human head. Moreover, the steady state thermal elevation distribution is calculated by solving the bioheat equation using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Both types of wave polarization (perpendicular and parallel) will be discussed. The obtained results confirm the importance of performing a thermal analysis along with the dosimetric one. It is found that the induced temperature elevation in the brain region, in all the examined conditions, never exceeds 0.4°C. This value is well below the threshold for the induction of adverse thermal effects to the neurons which is 3.5°C.