Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) probes are shown and disclosed. In some embodiments, the RF probe includes a dielectric waveguide having opposed first and second longitudinal end portions and a planar conducting ground member being received in the first end portion of the dielectric waveguide. The conducting ground member includes an end portion with at least a first prong. The probe assembly additionally includes a conducting transition member received in the first end portion of the dielectric waveguide and spaced from the planar conducting ground member. The conducting transition member includes an end portion that includes a second prong spaced from the first prong.

Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) probes are shown and disclosed. In some embodiments, the RF probe includes a dielectric waveguide having opposed first and second longitudinal end portions and a planar conducting ground member being received in the first end portion of the dielectric waveguide. The conducting ground member includes an end portion with at least a first prong. The probe assembly additionally includes a conducting transition member received in the first end portion of the dielectric waveguide and spaced from the planar conducting ground member. The conducting transition member includes an end portion that includes a second prong spaced from the first prong.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for rapid heating a load having magnetic material(s). In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a source of radio frequency (RF) signals and a power management assembly that receives the RF signals and that increases or decreases power of the RF signals. The apparatus additionally includes directional coupler(s) that measure power of the RF signals received from the power management assembly and power of the RF signals reflected from the load to the at least one directional coupler. The apparatus further includes a control assembly operable to receive the measured powers, determine a temperature of the load based on the measured powers, and send one or more control signals to the power management assembly instructing the power management assembly to increase or decrease power of the RF signals received from the source of RF signals to maintain the determined temperature of the load at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for rapid heating a load having magnetic material(s). In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a source of radio frequency (RF) signals and a power management assembly that receives the RF signals and that increases or decreases power of the RF signals. The apparatus additionally includes directional coupler(s) that measure power of the RF signals received from the power management assembly and power of the RF signals reflected from the load to the at least one directional coupler. The apparatus further includes a control assembly operable to receive the measured powers, determine a temperature of the load based on the measured powers, and send one or more control signals to the power management assembly instructing the power management assembly to increase or decrease power of the RF signals received from the source of RF signals to maintain the determined temperature of the load at a predetermined temperature.