8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / General

A MINIATURE BROAD-BAND ELECTRIC FIELD PROBE

Bioeffects Seen

H. Bassen, M. Swicord, J. Abita · 1975

Share:

This 1975 probe development enabled accurate measurement of EMF exposure inside biological tissue, laying groundwork for modern EMF health research.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers developed a miniature electric field probe capable of measuring radiofrequency radiation from 915 MHz to above 10 GHz in both free space and inside animal tissue. This technical advancement was designed to enable more precise measurement of EMF exposure in biological research, particularly where small size was critical for accurate readings.

Why This Matters

This 1975 study represents a crucial milestone in EMF measurement technology that directly impacts how we understand exposure today. The development of miniature probes capable of measuring fields inside biological tissue was essential for advancing EMF health research. Without accurate measurement tools like this, we couldn't properly assess how much radiation actually penetrates our bodies from devices like cell phones and WiFi routers. The frequency range studied (915 MHz to 10+ GHz) encompasses many of today's wireless technologies, from older cell phone bands to modern 5G networks. This foundational measurement work enabled the biological studies that followed, helping establish the scientific basis for understanding EMF health effects we're still grappling with decades later.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
H. Bassen, M. Swicord, J. Abita (1975). A MINIATURE BROAD-BAND ELECTRIC FIELD PROBE.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_miniature_broad_band_electric_field_probe_g6645,
  author = {H. Bassen and M. Swicord and J. Abita},
  title = {A MINIATURE BROAD-BAND ELECTRIC FIELD PROBE},
  year = {1975},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The probe measured electric fields from 915 MHz to above 10 GHz with flat frequency response. This range covers many modern wireless technologies including cell phones, WiFi, and some 5G frequencies that we use today.
At frequencies below 3 GHz, electromagnetic wavelengths become much shorter inside biological tissue. Standard-sized probes would be too large to provide accurate measurements without disrupting the very fields they're trying to measure.
This foundational measurement technology enabled accurate assessment of EMF penetration into biological tissue. Without such precise measurement tools, researchers couldn't properly study how wireless radiation affects living organisms or establish exposure standards.
The shortened wavelengths of electromagnetic fields inside biological materials required extremely small probes to avoid measurement interference. Standard equipment was too large to provide accurate readings in tissue-equivalent materials.
Yes, 915 MHz remains relevant as it's used in industrial heating applications and some wireless devices. The measurement techniques developed for this frequency helped establish methods for studying biological effects across the EMF spectrum.