William G. Whittow

About

William G. Whittow is a leading researcher in electromagnetic dosimetry, with a primary focus on the interaction of radiofrequency (RF) radiation with the human body. His work is distinguished by its meticulous investigation of how everyday metallic accessories—such as jewellery and spectacles—can significantly alter specific absorption rates (SAR) in the head when using mobile communication devices. In his seminal 2008 paper (30 citations), Whittow used advanced FDTD simulations and phantoms to demonstrate that metallic jewellery can unexpectedly focus RF energy, raising critical safety considerations for device design. He further explored this theme in his 2009 study (10 citations), which showed that metallic semi-rimmed spectacles can increase localized SAR in both adult and child head models from a 900 MHz source. More recently, Whittow has advanced the field by examining the effects of antenna deformation, as in his 2017 work (6 citations) on crumpled flexible dipoles. His research is vital for developing more realistic safety standards and for informing the design of next-generation wearable and flexible wireless devices, making him a key figure in bridging computational electromagnetics with public health.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   On the effects of straight metallic jewellery on the specific absorption rates resulting from face-illuminating radio communication devices at popular cellular frequencies

   30 citations · 2008
2. 2
   Effects of metallic semi-rimmed spectacles on SAR in the head from a 900MHz frontal dipole source

   10 citations · 2009
3. 3
   SAR Levels for Irradiation by a Crumpled 900 MHz Flexible Diamond Dipole

   6 citations · 2017

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links