Ultrashort electromagnetic signals: biophysical questions, safety issues, and medical opportunities.
Ultrashort electromagnetic pulses are being increasingly produced by modern high power microwave and laser devices. These ultrashort pulses can produce electromagnetic transients in tissue that prompt safety questions concerning the possible exposure of living beings to ultrashort electromagnetic pulses. The existence of electromagnetic transients may permit meaningful advances in medical therapy and imaging. Electromagnetic transients, potential medical applications, and anticipated research avenues relevant to occupational health and safety issues are discussed.
Albanese
R
R
Mathematical Products Division, Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks AFB, TX 78235.
Blaschak
J
J
Medina
R
R
Penn
J
J
D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008566:Membranes / Q000528:radiation effects; D008872:Microwaves; D008968:Molecular Conformation / Q000528:radiation effects; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography