Extension Element for Electric Field Homogeneity in Biological Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current experimental systems for studying the effects of electromagnetic fields on living organisms face challenges in achieving homogeneous and intense electric fields, particularly when testing objects in liquid form, due to inhomogeneities introduced by container walls and air spaces, which affect the coupling factor and reproducibility of experiments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves preparing the object to be tested by placing it in contact with extension elements made of materials with relative permittivity and electrical conductivity close to those of the object, extending the object's dimensions in the direction of the incident electric field, to enhance the homogeneity and intensity of the induced electric field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the object is placed in a container (Petri dish, Eppendorf tube) for experimental exposure, then the object can be held and exposed to electromagnetic fields, but the container walls introduce inhomogeneity in the electric field distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extension element as an intermediary between the container wall and the object. This extension element is made of material with relative permittivity matching the object's material, creating a smooth transition that eliminates the abrupt dielectric discontinuity caused by the container wall. The extension element acts as a mediator that preserves field homogeneity while allowing the object to be held in the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the homogeneity principle by ensuring that the extension element has the same relative permittivity as the object material. This creates a uniform dielectric environment around the object, eliminating field inhomogeneities that would otherwise be introduced by the container wall. The matching permittivity ensures continuous field distribution without abrupt changes at interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If the object has small dimensions compared to the wavelength, then the object can be precisely positioned, but the coupling factor between the incident field and the object is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the object in the direction of the incident electric field by adding an extension element. This dimensional extension increases the interaction length between the incident field and the object-extension structure, thereby enhancing the coupling factor. The extension allows the small object to effectively sample more of the incident field while maintaining its precise positioning in all other dimensions.
3Manufacturing precision
If extension elements are added to improve field homogeneity, then the electric field distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the extension element design by specifying that it should have the same relative permittivity as the object material. This parameter matching eliminates the need for complex multi-layer structures or active control mechanisms. The extension element becomes a simple passive component whose only critical parameter is the permittivity match, significantly reducing design and manufacturing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly improves the homogeneity and intensity of the electric field within the object, maximizing the coupling factor and ensuring reproducibility of experiments by minimizing inhomogeneities and field gradients, as demonstrated through numerical simulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one extension element made of a material having a relative permittivity equal to the relative permittivity of the object to within +/- 50%
Implementation Method 2
the homogeneity and intensity of the electric field induced in the volume of the object under test depend on the nature and geometry of the object under test
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~7
Figure 8a~8b
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for preparing an object to be tested, having a given relative permittivity, intended to be illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave. The method comprises: providing a part comprising a recess for housing the object and at least one extension element made from a material having a relative permittivity that is preferably equal to that of the object, the extension element at least partially delimiting the recess and extending to either side of the recess in a passage direction of the recess, over a length at least equal, on either side of the recess, to one third of the length of the recess in the passage direction; and installing the object in the recess, such that the object is in contact with the extension element in the passage direction. It also concerns a method for improving the uniformity and intensity of the electric field induced in an object to be tested, illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave, said method comprising: preparing the object to be tested according to the abovementioned preparation method; and applying an incident electric field to the object to be tested by illuminating the object with an incident electromagnetic wave, the direction of the incident electric field of the incident electromagnetic wave being chosen so as to be identical to the passage direction of the recess.