The influence of eyelashes on electric field distribution and absorbed power density in the cornea under millimeter-wave exposure

Abstract

As millimeter wave (MMW) technology, particularly in fifth-generation (5G) devices, gains prominence, there is a crucial need for comprehensive electromagnetic (EM) models of ocular tissues to understand and characterize EM exposure conditions accurately. This study employs numerical modeling to investigate the interaction between MMW and the cornea, aiming to characterize EM field distributions and absorption within an anatomically accurate eye model while considering the influence of eyelashes. Using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, we conduct simulations of EM radiation interactions from 20.0 to 100.0 GHz with a human eye model. Moreover, we analyze the temperature distribution increase within the eye model using a thermal sensor in XFdtd, employing a scheme based on the finite difference (FD) method. Our findings reveal a nonuniform distribution of the EM field, particularly intensified in corneal regions adjacent to eyelashes and eyelids. Despite similar EM field patterns, the presence or absence of eyelashes has minimal impact on temperature differences. However, the study highlights increased radiation absorption by the eyelid's epidermis at 100.0 GHz, reducing the rise in the cornea's temperature.