Implementation of an in vitro exposure system for 28 GHz

The objective of this study was to implement an in vitro exposure system for 28 GHz to investigate the biological effects of fifth-generation (5G) communication. A signal source of 28 GHz for 5G millimeter-wave (MMW) deployment was developed, followed by a variable attenuator for antenna input power control. A power amplifier was also customized to ensure a maximum output power of 10 W for high-power 28-GHz exposure. A 3-dB uniformity over the 80 mm x 80 mm area that corresponds to four Petri dishes of three-dimensional cell cultures can be obtained using a customized choke-ring-type antenna. An infrared camera is employed for temperature regulation during exposure by adjusting the airflow cooling rate via real-time feedback to the incubator. The reported measurement results confirm that the input power control, uniformity, and temperature regulation for 28-GHz exposure were successfully accomplished, indicating the possibility of a wide application of the implemented in vitro exposure system in the fields of various MMW dose-response studies.