Low-power near-field microwave applicator for localized heating of soft matter

摘要

We report a 9 GHz near-field microwave probe for local surface heating of microwave absorbing materials. The probe radiates microwave energy through a narrow slot microfabricated at the apex of the dielectric resonator. The microwave energy is concentrated in a small region close to the applicator, in such a way that the microwave intensity there is very high. A temperature of 60-120℃ can be achieved in a spot size as small as 0.3×0.5 mm~(2), using an input power of only a few watts. The applicator can be used for local heating, coagulation, and melting of various soft-matter mediums. Particularly, we emphasize results on local heating and coagulation of egg-white and albumin which may be used as a "biological solder" for tissue welding applications.