Abstract: A system for excavating a rock face using microwaves. The system may include a microwave generator, an articulable robotic arm with a plurality of rotatably connected rigid waveguide segments, an applicator attached to a distal end of the robotic arm, and a robotic control system. The system produces microwaves with the microwave generator and moves the robotic arm such that the applicator moves along the rock face as the microwaves exit the applicator to precondition the rock face for excavation. Various patterns of microwave treatment, and controls based on sensor feedback, may be implemented.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a microwave energy applicator. The applicator may define an internal channel having one or more longitudinal ridges inside the channel configured to focus energy. The ridges may be moveable. A reflector may be located near an exit of the applicator. In some embodiments, the applicator may define a channel having a decrease in cross-sectional area with a dielectric filler therein, acting to transition from a lower to a higher permittivity material. The various embodiments of the applicator may be attached to a waveguide, which may be an articulable robotic arm having rotatable waveguide segments attached with a microwave generator. The applicator may alter an energy level of microwaves travelling therethrough, for example, to concentrate the energy for application at a rock face in a mine site.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a microwave energy applicator. The applicator may define an internal channel having one or more longitudinal ridges inside the channel configured to focus energy. The ridges may be moveable. A reflector may be located near an exit of the applicator. In some embodiments, the applicator may define a channel having a decrease in cross-sectional area with a dielectric filler therein, acting to transition from a lower to a higher permittivity material. The various embodiments of the applicator may be attached to a waveguide, which may be an articulable robotic arm having rotatable waveguide segments attached with a microwave generator. The applicator may alter an energy level of microwaves travelling therethrough, for example, to concentrate the energy for application at a rock face in a mine site.

Abstract: A system for excavating a rock face using microwaves. The system may include a microwave generator, an articulable robotic arm with a plurality of rotatably connected rigid waveguide segments, an applicator attached to a distal end of the robotic arm, and a robotic control system. The system produces microwaves with the microwave generator and moves the robotic arm such that the applicator moves along the rock face as the microwaves exit the applicator to precondition the rock face for excavation. Various patterns of microwave treatment, and controls based on sensor feedback, may be implemented.

Abstract: A periodically-rippled patch antenna structure with metal coated trenches only along one in-plane direction or in two perpendicular in-plane directions on a dielectric substrate and ground plane and methods of fabricating the antenna radiating elements are provided. An optional layer of oxide or nitride can be placed between the substrate and metal layers as an insulation layer. This use of trenches allows for miniaturization of the patch antenna as well as dual-band degeneracy. When a square 1D rippled patch antenna is excited by a microstrip line connected along the ripples, the effective length is longer than with a line orthogonal to the ripples enabling dual mode degeneracy and antennas working at two distinct frequencies of operation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating nanoscale patterned oxide substrates and devices incorporating the substrates are provided. Highly periodic or non-periodic sinusoidal patterns and other fine oxide patterns are formed on the surface of a suitable base such as silicon. Fine oxide surface patterns are created with photolithography, etching and three different oxide formation events. Thin layers of conductor materials including graphene and metals can be applied to the oxide surface patterns of the substrate and conform to the pattern allowing morphology and physical properties the conductor layer to be tuned. Control over device characteristics is demonstrated by varying the dimensions, strain, orientation, wavelength and amplitude of graphene sheet corrugations. A patch antenna device with a periodic sinusoidal graphene sheet on a silicon oxide substrate mounted to a ground plane was demonstrated.