A stripline system for the exposure of ex-vivo samples to nanosecond pulsed electric fields

摘要

We present an exposure system, based on a slotted stripline, to stimulate frog nerves with the use of nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs). The system guarantees the electromagnetic compatibility with laboratory equipment and exhibits a very good impedance matching up to 3 GHz, thus allowing the undistorted propagation of nsPEFs. Through a hole (3 mm of diameter) on the outer enclosure, the system permits a localized exposure of the nerve to a maximum |E| field of 0.8 kV/m for 1 W of input power. This is compatible with conventional electrical stimulation of nervous systems using much longer pulses; however experimental studies are needed to identify a stimulation threshold for such short pulsed signals.