Multimode Square Waveguide Applicators for Medical Applications of Microwave Power

Great interest in applications of microwave power in cancer therapy through hyperthermia has recently been observed. The basic requirements for microwave power applicators in medical applications are outlined and the presently available designs are reviewed. The design principles and preliminary experimental results for a new type of applicators -- the multimode square - aperture direct contact applicators are presented. The new designs offer improved cross-sectional uniformity of heating. Specially shaped choke-equipped flanges limit the leakage.