Behavioral effects of high-peak-power microwave pulses: read exposure at 1.3 GHz

Abstract : To investigate behavioral performance effects of localized exposure to the head of very high-peak-power microwaves, rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were trained on a vigilance task. The task consisted of responding on one lever for a variable interval (VI 30-s) schedule and then responding on a second lever for food pellet reward. Monkeys were exposed for 25 min to 1.3-GHz microwave energy pulsed at 7, 9, and 11 pps. The pulse duration was 7 microsec with a peak power of 3.06 MW. Microwaves were delivered to the posterior of the head by an open-end waveguide irradiator. Average specific absorption rate (SAR) in the head ranged from 16.0 to 35.0 W/kg. The microwave period was preceded by a 25- min preexposure period and followed by a 25-min postexposure period, each separated by a 1-min extinction period. Response rate on the VI lever decreased only at 26.0 and 35.0 W/kg compared to sham exposure sessions. Reaction time and post-reinforcement pause were unchanged in the exposed conditions relative to shams. Microwave, Behavior, High-peak-power, Monkey.