Microstrip antenna array application for microwave heating

This paper describes the preliminary considerations, design and first experimental results of a 12-element rectangular microstrip antanna array (applicator) used for microwave heating at the frequency of 2.4 GHz with dimensions of 40 × 30 × 2.1 cm3 and a CW-power of 1 kW The innovative applicator consists of a planararray of electrically thick rectangular microstrip antennas and a stripline reactive power splitter with thick copper conductors at the inner strips and filled with a heat conducting insulation in the input section. Although the applicator is used in the radiating near-field, it is also possible to design a transmit antenna, e.g. for FM - CW radar applications.