## 1 Introduction
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline \hline
**Method** & **Primary Applications** & **Advantages** & **Challenges** \\ \hline Radio Frequency (RF) Heating & Parasite removal, drying & Uniform heating, deep penetration & Slower than microwave heating \\ \hline Microwave Heating & Parasite removal, drying, sterilization, cooking & Fast heating, efficient for wet tissues & Risk of non-uniform heating \\ \hline Capacitive Heating & Deep tissue heating, disinfection & Controlled heating, suitable for large fish & Limited industrial adoption \\ \hline Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) & Surface sterilization, freshness enhancement & Chemical-free, non-thermal & Limited penetration depth \\ \hline Terahertz (THz) & Surface parasite removal, non-invasive tests & Selective heating, preserves texture & Expensive, still experimental \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Comparison of dielectric heating methods for fish. effectiveness [19; 20]. These limitations highlight the need for innovative technologies that are effective, sustainable, and scalable. Technological innovations, including nanotechnology, genetic selection, and dielectric heating, are reshaping parasite control in aquaculture [21; 22; 23]. Dielectric heating offers targeted energy delivery without chemical residues. It enables uniform internal heating while preserving tissue quality [24; 25] and can be tailored to fish tissue properties for optimized energy application [26; 27]. Integration with real-time spectroscopic monitoring enhances processing control and safety [28]. The method has also proven effective for microbial control and fish preservation [29; 30]. Horn antennas play a critical role in modern microwave systems due to their high directivity, efficiency, and structural simplicity. Their ability to focus electromagnetic energy makes them essential in applications such as communication, imaging, and material processing [31]. In aquaculture and biomedical contexts, they enable precise microwave energy delivery. For example, dual-polarized and wide-band horn antennas enhance imaging resolution and penetration in diagnostics [32], while 3D-printed designs improve energy distribution in heating and deicing processes [33]. Recent innovations, including quad-ridged structures and dielectric lens integration, have expanded their use to ultra-wideband, terahertz, and millimeter-wave applications [34; 35; 36]. Horn antennas are also vital in systems requiring low cross-polarization, like satellite communications and radio astronomy [37]. Their scalability and adaptability make them ideal for industrial uses. In aquaculture, horn antennas are increasingly integrated into dielectric heating systems to focus energy on parasite-rich regions, such as those affected by liver flukes. Their precision improves thermal efficiency and minimizes collateral damage. Advanced designs, including 3D-printed and lens-enhanced antennas, support large-scale deployments and can be tailored to specific environments [33; 34]. Combined with real-time temperature monitoring, they enhance process control and support sustainable, energy-efficient aquaculture operations [26]. This study focuses on designing a horn antenna operating at 2.45 GHz to develop an advanced dielectric heating system for the selective thermal targeting of liver flukes-infected regions (_Opisthorchis viterrini_) predominantly found in the scales of _Cirrhinus microlepis_. The specific dielectric properties of the fish measured across its scales, skin, and muscle tissues are integral to optimizing the antenna's performance and energy application. Prior research indicates that liver flukes exhibit a high affinity for the scale regions, necessitating localized heating interventions to thermally impact the parasite zones while preserving the structural and biological integrity of the fish.