Unit IV : Radio frequency and Microwave in Medicine:

Electromagnetic radiation:
Electro magnetic radiation (EMR) refers to waves (or photons) of the electromagnetic field, propagating through
space, carrying electromagnetic radiant energy. Electromagnetic waves are formed by the vibrations of electric
and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic radiation consists of perpendicular electric and magnetic fields. These
fields vary in magnitude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the radiation is traveling. Both of
these fields travel at a constant speed known as the speed of light c.
All objects warmer than absolute zero(-273℃ )emit electromagnetic radiation. Objects also reflect and absorb
EMR emitted by other objects. This means that the sun, the earth and even the computer monitor are reflecting
and emitting a wide range of electromagnetic waves. The sun is a major source of electromagnetic radiation on
Earth, emitting energy across several regions of the spectrum.
Electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves in that they do not require medium to propagate. This
means that is addition to be able to travel through air and solid materials, electromagnetic waves can also travel
through the vacuum of space. Electromagnetic radiation is typically describe in terms of its frequency,
wavelength or energy level.
The entire range of electromagnetic waves is known as electromagnetic spectrum. This includes radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma rays.
Regions of electromagnetic spectrum
Electromagnetic spectrum is broadly classified into different named categories based on wavelength and
characteristics of the energy.
1. Gamma rays (wavele4ngth <𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟐 meters)
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength (< 0.01 nanometres) and the most energy of any region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays are produced by the hottest objects in the universe including, neutron star,
Pulsar, supernova explosions. They can also be created by nuclear explosions. The majority of Gamma rays generated
in space are blocked by Earth's atmosphere. This is a good thing as Gamma rays are biologically hazardous.

2. X-Rays (wavelength 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 to 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟐 meters)

X-rays range in wavelength from 0.01 to 10nm and are primarily generated by superheated gas from exploding stars
and quasars. X-rays are able to pass through many different types of materials. X-rays are commonly used for medical
imaging and for inspecting cargo and luggage. Similar to gamma rays the earth’s atmosphere blocks x-ray radiation.

3. Ultraviolet (UV) (wavelength 𝟏𝟎−𝟕 − 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 meters)

Ultraviolet (UV) light has wavelengths of approximately 1-380nm. The sun is a source of ultraviolet energy. The UV
portion of the spectrum is sub divided into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. UV-C rays are the most harmful and are almost
completely absorbed by our atmosphere. UV-B rays are the harmful rays that cause sunburn. Although UV waves are
invisible to the human eye some insects, such as Bumble bees can see them.
4. Visible (wavelength ~ 𝟏𝟎−𝟕 meters)
Visible light covers the range of wavelengths from 400 nanometer to 750 nanometer. This is only region in the
spectrum that human eyes are sensitive to. The sun emits the most radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum.
Each individual wavelength within the spectrum of the visible light wavelengths is representative of a particular color.
Light at the lower end of the visible spectrum having longer wavelength about 750nm is seen as red ; light in the
middle of the spectrum is seen as green; light at the upper end of the spectrum with wavelength of 380nm, is seen as
violet. When all the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum strike your eye at the same time the color white is
perceived. The visible portion of the spectrum is used extensively in remote sensing. the following table indicates
wavelength and corresponding color.
5. Infrared ( wavelength ~ 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 to 𝟏𝟎−𝟕 meters)
The infrared portion of the spectrum ranges from approximately 750 nanometer to 10000 nanometer in
wavelength. It is divided up in two three main regions, near infrared (0.7 to 1.3 µm), short wave infrared (1.3
µm to 3 µm) and far or thermal infrared(3-100 µm). Infrared radiation is extensively used in remote sensing.
objects reflect, transmit and absorb the sun's near infrared and short wave radiation and unique ways and this
can be used to observe the health of vegetation, soil composition and the moisture content. The region from 8 to
15 micrometer is referred as thermal infrared since these wavelengths are best for studying the long wave
thermal energy radiating from the Earth.

6. Microwaves (wavelength ~ 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 to 𝟏𝟎−𝟏 meters)

Microwaves are essentially high frequency radio waves and have wavelengths that range from 1 mm to 1m.
Different wavelength or bands of microwaves are used for different applications. Mid wavelength microwaves
can penetrate haze, light rain and snow, clouds and smoke are beneficial for satellite communication and
studying the Earth from space. Radar technology sends pulses of microwave energy and senses the energy
reflected back.
7.Radio waves (wavelength > 𝟏𝟎−𝟏 meters)
Radio waves have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelength ranging from
approximately 1 mm to several hundred meters Radio waves are used to transmit a variety of data. Wireless
networking, television and amateur radio all use radio waves. The use of radio frequency is usually regulated by
governments
Production of electromagnetic waves
We can get a good understanding of electromagnetic waves by considering how they are produced. Whenever a
current varies, associated electric and magnetic fields vary, moving out from the source like waves. Perhaps the
easier situation to visualize is a varying current in a long straight wire, produced by an AC generator at its
center.
The electric field (E) shown surrounding the wire is produced by the charge distribution on the wire. Both the
electric field E and the charge distribution vary as the current changes. The changing field propagates outward
at speed of light.
There is an associated magnetic field (B) which propagates outward as well. The electric and magnetic fields are closely
related and propagate as electro as an electromagnetic wave. This is what happens in broadcast antennae such as those in
radio and TV stations

Closer examination of the one complete cycle shown in figure 1 reveals the periodic nature of the generate-driven charges
oscillating up and down in the antenna and the electric field produced. At the time t = 0, there is the maximum separation of
charge, with negative charges at the top and positive charges at the bottom producing the maximum magnitude of the electric
field in the upward direction. One fourth of a cycle later, there is no charge separation and the field next to the antenna is
zero, while the maximum E-field has moved away at speed c.
As the process continues, the charge separation reverses and the field reaches its maximum downward value, returns to zero and
rises to its maximum upward value at the end of one complete cycle. The outgoing wave has an amplitude proportional to the
maximum separation of charge. It's wavelength (λ) is proportional to the period of the oscillation and hence is smaller for short
periods or high frequencies.( As usual wavelength and frequency f are inversely proportional)

Electric and Magnetic waves : Moving together

• Following ampere's law current in the antenna produces a magnetic field, as shown in the figure 2. The relationship between E
and B is shown at one instant in figure 2a. As current varies the magnetic field varies in magnitude and direction.
• The magnetic field lines also propagate away from the antenna at the speed of light, forming the other part of the
electromagnetic wave as seen in figure 2b. The magnetic part of the wave has the same period and wavelength as the electric
part since they are both produced by the same moment and separation of charges in the antenna.
• The electric and magnetic waves are shown together at one instant in the figure 3. The electric and magnetic fields produced by
a long straight wire antenna are exactly in phase. They are perpendicular to one another and to the direction of propagation
making this a transverse wave.
• Electro magnetic waves generally propagate out from a source in all directions sometimes farming complex radiation pattern.
All linear antenna like this one will not radiate parallel to its length for example the wave is shown in one direction from the
antenna in figure 3 to illustrated basic characteristics
• Instead of the AC generator, the antenna can also be driven by an AC circuit. In fact charges radiate whenever they are
accelerated. But while a current in a circuit needs a complete path, and antenna has a varying charge distribution forming a
standing wave driven by the AC. The dimensions of the antenna are critical for determining the frequency of the radiated
electromagnetic waves. This is a resonant phenomenon and we tune radios or TV we vary electrical properties to achieve
appropriate resonant conditions in the antenna.
Characteristics and properties of Electromagnetic waves
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature. They propagate by varying in the electric and magnetic fields such that
the two fields are perpendicular to each other.
• Electromagnetic waves have constant velocity in vacuum and it is nearly equal to c = 3 x108 m/s.
• Electromagnetic waves propagation does not require any material medium to travel.
• The inherent characteristic of an electromagnetic wave is its frequency. Their frequency is remain unchanged but its
wavelength changes when the wave travels from one medium to another.
• Electromagnetic waves follow the principle of superposition.
• The light vector or the electric vector is the reason for the optical effects due to and electro magnetic wave.
• In electromagnetic wave, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields are in the same phase and their magnitudes have
constant ratio. The ratio of the amplitude of electric and magnetic fields is equal to the velocity of the electromagnetic
wave that is c =𝐸0 /𝐵0 .
• The energy is carried by the electric and magnetic fields of electromagnetic waves are equal i.e the analytical energy 𝑢𝐸
and the magnetic energy 𝑢𝑀 are equal; 𝑢𝐸 = 𝑢𝑀 .
• There is a vector quantity S called the poynting vector which represents the energy transferred by electromagnetic
waves per second per unit area.
1
𝑆Ԧ = µ (𝐸 × 𝐵 ) where µ𝑜 is permeability of free space.
𝑜
Ionizing and Non ionizing Radiation
Radiation exists all around us and is in two forms; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Near ultraviolet, visible light,
infrared, microwave, radio waves and low frequency radio frequency are all examples of non ionizing radiation.
By contrast, far ultraviolet light, x-rays, gamma rays and all particle radiation from radioactive decay are ionizing. The
dividing line between ionizing and non ionizing radiation occurs in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Radiation in the ultraviolet band and at lower energies(to the left of ultraviolet) is called non-ionizing radiation, while at
the higher energies to the right of ultraviolet band is called ionizing radiation.
a) Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that acts by removing electrons from atoms and molecules of materials that
include air, water and living tissue. Ionizing radiation can travel unseen and pass through these materials.
A familiar example of ionizing radiation is that of x-rays which can penetrate our body and reveal pictures of our bone.
We say that x-rays are ionizing meaning that they have the unique capability to remove electrons from atoms and
molecules in the matter through which they pass. Ionizing activity can alter molecules within the cells of our body. The
action may cause eventual harm such as cancer. Intense exposures to ionizing radiation may produce skin or tissue
damage. Other examples of ionizing radiation include alpha ,beta and gamma rays from radioactive decay.
Ionizing radiations can fall into two categories : natural and manmade.
Natural sources of ionizing radiation include:
• Radiation from space (cosmic and solar radiation)
• Radiation from the earth (terrestrial radiation)
• Radiation from building materials.
Ionizing radiations from manmade sources:
Every day we use ionizing radiation to help us live healthy lives. Ionizing radiation is found in smoke detectors, used to
disinfect medical instruments and blood and to perform many other tasks in our daily lives. It is also a by product of
nuclear power generation. Our main exposure to ionizing radiation in man-made sources is through the use of diagnostic
medical exams.
Medical examinations that use ionizing radiations include :
x-rays city or computed tomography scans position emission tomography scans fluoroscopy nuclear medicine procedures
Medical examinations that use ionizing radiations include :
• x-rays
• CT or CAT(computed tomography) scans
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans
• fluoroscopy
• nuclear medicine procedures

b) Non ionizing radiations refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough
energy to ionize atoms or molecules.
Examples include :
• Radio frequency radiation used in many broadcast and communication applications.
• Micro waves used in the home kitchen.
• Infrared radiation used in heat lamps.
• Ultraviolet radiation from sun.
Unlike x-rays and other forms of ionizing radiation, non ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to
remove electrons from atoms and molecules. Non ionizing radiations can heat substances, for example the
microwave radiation inside a microwave oven heats water and food rapidly.
We are exposed to low levels of non ionizing radiation every day. Exposure to intense ,direct amount of non
ionizing radiation may result in damage to tissue due to heat. This is not common and mainly of concern in the
workplace for those who work on large sources of ionizing radiation devices and instruments.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a natural part of solar radiation. Normal everyday levels of UV radiations can be
helpful and produce vitamin D. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun
exposure 2 to 3 times a week to get enough vitamin D. Too much UV radiation can cause skin burns, premature
aging of the skin , eye damage and skin cancer. Majority of skin cancers are caused by exposing to ultraviolet
radiation.

Similarly intense direct exposure to radio frequency (RF) or microwave radiation may result in the damage to
tissue due to heat. These more significant exposure could occur from industrial devices in the workplace