A Cantor multilayer traveling wave applicator for microwave heating: Numerical analysis and design

A traveling wave applicator particularly suitable for heating low loss materials is described. The applicator consists of a dielectric Cantor multilayer inserted in a single-mode rectangular metallic waveguide. Field localization phenomenon occurring in the multilayer allows high field amplitude (several times the amplitude of the incident field) to be obtained in a load placed at the center of the applicator. Design examples and numerical characterization of an applicator in WR-284 waveguide operating at 2.45 GHz are presented for cylindrical and planar loads. Results show that the proposed applicator can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the heating process.