Field exposition and dosimetry with (sub)mm waves

In vitro field exposition experiments with biological samples performed to explore possible detrimental effects of non-ionizing radiation on biological systems require appropriate experimental setups, careful control and monitoring of environmental and exposition conditions and a reliable dosimetry to quantify the amount of stress imposed upon the sample. In the Terahertz frequency range, the experimental conditions are difficult to control and exact dosimetry is hindered by the fact that numerical field calculations are restricted due to computational complexity. Here we present a field exposition setup that has been used for in vitro studies in the THz frequency range. At 106 GHz, the empty-field power density at the location of the sample containers was set traceable to the SI units and dosimetric calculations yielding the specific absorption rate and heat distribution in the sample container were performed.