Microwave as a Heat Source

Microwave dielectric heating has been used for various purposes for well over five decades. This chapter thus introduces historical trends on the use of these electromagnetic waves in not only domestic microwave ovens but also more importantly applied in such fields as microwave chemistry and materials processing, as well as being envisioned in solar power satellite (SPS) systems. Furthermore, the chapter classifies the industrial fields in which microwave heating is used and shows a summary of the application fields of microwave chemistry and materials. In addition, overviews are given of microwaves being used in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, catalyzed reactions, sintering of ceramics, heating of metals, extraction, and discharge electrodeless lamps. A coffee break talks about the Raytheon Corporation where the microwave ovens were first created.