Radio Frequency/Microwave Hazard Assessment Tool (RHAZ)

With the advent of High Powered Microwave (HPW) weapons, it has become necessary to understand the effect of the radiated energy on those persons exposed. Additionally, other systems, such as microwave and troposcatter systems, also pose a danger to humans who are exposed to their radiated energy. The U. S. government, the Air Force and other international organizations have developed standards that specify the safe exposure limits. When computing Electromagnetic biohazards, it is necessary to properly consider all aspects of the problem. The aspects are the proper definition of the source and its radiation, proper propagation of the energy to the designated location, and proper computation of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). Remcom’s modeling tools Wireless InSite and XFdtd are ideally suited to be used for this application. In Phase I, RF propagation from a source to a target approximating the surface area projection of a human was modeled and calculations of electric field and power density at the target were performed. Phase II will expand on that demonstration to develop a fully-functional RF hazard calculation package (RHAZ) that is similar in “look and feel” to the Air Force’s LASER hazard calculator (LHAZ). The tool will provide multiple user interfaces (depending on the end user) and incorporate various RF propagation models present in Wireless InSite and FDTD calculations and bio-effects calculations via XFdtd. Also incorporated will be database modules of commonly used emitters as well as cumulative exposure for personnel. The RHAZ software package has to potential to benefit various government agencies as well as commercial businesses. Remcom will draw upon its experience and previous successes in bringing SBIR products to commercial development to create a highly useful commercial software package.