MICROWAVE RESONATOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING MICROWAVE RESONATOR

The invention relates to an even-numbered polygonal resonator wherein a high mode microwave mode is formed and a large volume part of the resonator volume with homogenous field distribution is provided for even thermal processing of workpieces. A pair of coupling structures are disposed along the outside of at least one enveloping segment pushing edge and comprises, to the left and to the right thereof, at least one rectangular waveguide advancing the microwave in the base mode. The common wall section of the rectangular waveguide and resonator has a coupling structure of successive slots/coupling contours, which is disposed along said wall section. Said microwave resonator can be constructed in a modular manner in order to form a process chain enabling different thermal processes, such as heating, maintaining the temperature and controlled cooling, to be carried out. The pair of coupling structures operate in an opposite, oscillating direction in individual power radiation by maintaining predetermined power radiation in the resonator for precise adjustment of field homogeneity. Thermally processable workpieces are processed faster, with little energy and in a more economical manner than conventional autoclaves.