Abstract: A microwave applicator includes an elongated chamber, preferably having a cylindrical shape, for processing materials therein. A waveguide, connected to the elongated chamber, couples microwave power into the elongated chamber. The cross-sectional area of the elongated chamber can be mechanically adjusted to control and maintain the microwave field uniformity and resonant mode, preferably the length independent mode TM.sub.010, during the processing of the material. The applicator can thus provide microwave energy having a substantially uniform field distribution over a large area for processing materials in a non-continuous, semi-continuous or fully continuous manner.

Abstract: Methods are described for fabricating devices having vias containing more than one electrical conductor, in particular coaxial electrical conductors. A plurality of wires are bonded to a first substrate, such as a copper wire to a copper substrate. A second substrate having through-holes with side walls covered with an electrical conductor is disposed over the first substrate so that the wires are within the through-holes and spaced apart from the side walls. The first substrate is spaced apart from the second substrate by dielectric spacers. A polymer is injected into the space between the first and second substrates to provide electrical isolation therebetween. A polymer is injected into the space in the via between the elongated conductors and the conductive sidewall to provide dielectric isolation therebetween. The second substrate has electrically conductive pattern on both sides which are electrically interconnected by the electrically conductive sidewall to form an inner coil of electrical conductors.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the dielectric constant of samples with complex or uncertain geometries that can include unusually shaped single sample pieces or collections of differently shaped sample pieces such as powders. The premise of the measurement technique is that a reference capacitor plate and a sample capacitor plate are exposed to a dynamically-changing solvent mixture. When the capacitance of these two fixtures become equal at the point at which a particular solvent mixture is reached, the dielectric constant of the sample is then known.

Abstract: A continuous process for the fabrication of metal clad, laminated core structures, such as circuit board cores, wherein the copper layers on the laminate are used to form a waveguide which propagates microwave or RF radiation in TEM mode down the length of the structure for heating the core layers while the necessary pressure is applied. The TEM mode offers substantial advantages in the uniformity and control of processing in this environment. In particular, the system may be made tunable using the positioning or two pinch points, produced by rollers applying pressure to consolidate the layered material, which points create end chokes defining a heating and pressure region wherein the radiation is reflected. Alternatively, the metal layers may also be used as capacitor-like plates for applying RF energy across the layered material.

Abstract: A continuous process for the fabrication of metal clad, laminated core structures, such as circuit board cores, wherein the copper layers on the laminate are used to form a waveguide which propagates microwave or RF radiation in TEM mode down the length of the structure for heating the core layers while the necessary pressure is applied. The TEM mode offers substantial advantages in the uniformity and control of processing in this environment. In particular, the system may be made tunable using the positioning or two pinch points, produced by rollers applying pressure to consolidate the layered material, which points create end chokes defining a heating and pressure region wherein the radiation is reflected. Alternatively, the metal layers may also be used as capacitor-like plates for applying RF energy across the layered material.