Technical aspects of exposure to magnetic fields of extremely low frequencies (ELF) in biomedical research

Abstract

Background: Experiments on the electromagnetic field influence on organisms are an important part of biophysical studies. It is an interdisciplinary research spanning biology and medicine with the engineering in generation and measurement of electromagnetic fields. The aim of the study consists in the analysis of parameters estimations and measurements of extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF MF) as well as exposure systems parameters in biomedical research. Material and Methods: Experiments were performed on 2 most popular low magnetic field exposure systems: the solenoid and Helmholtz coils. A theoretical analysis and a measurement verification of the magnetic field distribution inside the systems were carried out to evaluate the homogeneity of the magnetic field. Additional factors, vibrations and temperature changes, affecting the assessment of the biological effects of magnetic field exposure were also examined. Results: Based on the study results, a comparative analysis of solenoids and Helmholtz coils as the magnetic field exposure systems was presented. Proposals for the description of magnetic field exposure were also formulated. Conclusions: The authors emphasize the importance of a conscious choice of exposure conditions and their explicit description. These are fundamental requirements for both the reproduction of experimental conditions and the verification of results. Med. Pr. 2015;66(2):185–197

Keywords

• exposure system
• electromagnetic field metrology
• solenoid
• Helmholtz coils
• electromagnetic field