Abstract: A long-range active thermal imaging system includes an electromagnetic radiation source in the range of from about 10 GHz to about 500 GHz; a beam controller for receiving and retransmitting the electromagnetic radiation in a desired direction toward and onto a surface of a target, thereby heating the target and producing an infrared radiation emission from the target surface; and an infrared imager, e.g. an infrared camera coupled to a processor and display, for receiving the target's infrared radiation emission and generating a thermal image of the target. The radiation source may be selected such that the radiation penetrates into the target to provide a thermal signature, e.g. from subsurface features or objects. The thermal signature exhibits rapid changes that can be monitored in real time. This may allow surface or subsurface details or objects to be detected that would not otherwise be apparent.

Abstract: A method for joining similar materials to create multi-component assemblies so the joint materials share similar physical, chemical, and electrical characteristics with the base materials. The method includes aligning the materials, applying joining material, focusing a microwave beam on the joint area to initially heat the joint area to allow the joining material to soften and fill physical discontinuities while the surrounding surfaces remains cool, rapidly heating the joint area to the reactive area of the joining material, rapidly cooling the joint area and maintaining the joint area at a recrystallization temperature. The materials can be ceramics such as aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline metal, comprising the steps of: providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor and an alcohol solvent; continuously flowing the reaction mixture through a reactor; applying microwave or millimeter-wave energy to the reaction mixture; wherein the microwave or millimeter-wave energy is localized to the vicinity of the reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture with the microwave or millimeter-wave energy so that the alcohol solvent reduces the metal precursor to a metal; wherein the heating occurs in the reactor.

Abstract: Process for removing microwave energy absorbing material disposed on a substrate without thermally and/or mechanically damaging the substrate and with reduced production of volatile matter comprising the steps of directing microwave energy at the coating of sufficient power to damage the coating and removing the damaged coating from the substrate.