The assessment of unwanted radiation around diathermy RF capacitive applicators

The electromagnetic field intensities in the vicinity of apparatus which generate RF fields are influenced by a multiplicity of variables which are tied to the conditions of their use. The setting up of proper ambient surveillance requires the predisposition of operational protocols which take variable factors into account, permitting the individualization of major risk situations, and assuring the repeatability and comparability of the results. To that end, in relation to a diathermy apparatus operating at 27.12 MHz (a source of excess radiation in confined environments), the variation of the levels of E-field intensities as a function of the configuration of phantom-electrodes are determined experimentally. Finally a theoretical relation is determined, which, in accord with the experimental data, permits the generalization of the results obtained for a multiplicity of real situations.