The magnetron was designed by Randall and Booth and was used for Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) in World War II. It was soon recognised that microwaves could heat water in an effective manner; consequently microwave-heating appliances became available in the US from the 1950s. These devices were widespread by the 1980s, and it was around this time that the application of microwave heating in chemical reactions and other industrial applications were developed. Microwaves have been shown to be effective in many applications in areas of oil production, from underground extraction to upgrading and refining. The use of microwaves in oil sands and petroleum has been the object of significant investment in terms of research and development for nearly three decades. However, despite the contribution of several researchers in terms of application and the microwave sector, no definitive application has evolved into everyday life. In fact, the work carried out to date may well have served to pose more questions than answers.
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