Brain stimulation by modulated microwave radiation: a feasibility study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of stimulating the brain oscillations at predetermined frequencies using low level modulated (40 Hz) microwave radiation (450 Hz). The field power density was 0.16 mW/cm2. The resting EEG of 14 subjects was recorded and EEG power at fixed frequencies was analyzed. A relative change in the EEG power during 10 cycles with and without radiation was used as a quantitative measure. Microwave radiation caused statistically significant increase in the average EEG power at expected 10, 20 and 30 Hz frequency bands. The results indicate that low-level modulated microwave radiation is able to stimulate brain oscillations at selected frequencies.