Studies on near field experimental setup for Microwave machining

Microwave near fields has been recently demonstrated successfully for drilling operations using monopole near fields. We have studied near fields of a S band monopole for various insertion depths inside a dielectric block. The full wave simulations are carried out using CST Microwave Studio. It is demonstrated that varying impedance conditions exist when monopole depth is changed. An experimental applicator is set-up using a 1 kW magnetron, isolator, three stub tuner and WR340 to coax transition. The impedance matching studies are performed at low power. The applicator is housed inside a metallic shield and leakage radiation surveys were performed around the applicator to ensure human safety. A new application of near field plasma machining is also proposed and related challenges are discussed.