Open Transverse ElectroMagnetic (TEM) cell as applicator of high-intensity nsPEFs and electro-optic measurements

To expose biological cells or tissues to nanosecond pulsed electric fields of high intensity (>>kV/cm) and subnanosecond rise time, broadband exposure system with high-voltage handling capabilities and compatible with the tools of biologists are needed. To deliver subnanosecond pulses to a biological target, a hyperband antenna has been reported. In this study, we propose to use a Transverse ElectroMagnetic (TEM) cell. We characterize the system experimentally and numerically with Gaussian-like pulses of about 1.2 ns and 1.8 kV amplitude. The results are compared with those obtained using a classical electroporation cuvette, a typical delivery system to expose cell suspensions to ultrashort pulsed electric fields.