No Effects of High-Peak-Power Microwave Pulses at 2.36 GHz on Behavioral Performance in Monkeys.

Abstract : Recent development of new microwave systems with very high-peak-power microwave pulses and other unique characteristics has increased concern for the safety of personnel working in and around such equipment. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of high-peak-power microwaves produced by a virtual cathode oscillator (VIRCATOR) on the performance of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). The monkeys were repeatedly exposed to high-peak-power, short- duration microwave pulses (50-80 ns) delivered concurrently with auditory signals to which the monkeys were trained to respond. In addition, sham exposures were conducted by shielding the monkeys from the microwave pulses using an aluminum foil barrier. Compared to sham-exposure sessions. the microwave pulses did not produce statistically significant effects on behavioral performance. This experiment demonstrated that exposure to short high-peak-power microwave pulses with very large peak SARs (365-827 kW/kg) but low whole-body average SARs (less than 0.1 W/kg) did not significantly alter a well-trained behavior. Therefore, the whole-body SAR limit of 0.4 W/kg and the part-body SAR limit of 8 W/kg for human exposure to microwave energy remains justified.