Microwave stands for "super high frequencies". Many will think that this is something complicated from the field of abstruse physics and mathematics, and that this does not concern them. However, things are quite different. Microwave devices have long and tightly entered our lives, and they can be found everywhere. But what is it?
UHF band
Interpretation Microwave - ultra-high frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, which are located in the spectrum between the frequency of the far infrared and ultra-high frequencies. The wavelength of this range is from thirty centimeters to one millimeter. That is why microwaves are sometimes called centimeter and decimeter waves. In foreign technical literature, the interpretation of the microwave is the microwave range. This means that the wavelengths are very short compared to broadcast waves, which are on the order of several hundred meters.
Microwave properties
In terms of its length, this type of wave is intermediate between the emission of light and radio signals, and therefore it has the properties of both types. For example, like light, these wavespropagate along a straight path and are covered by almost all more or less solid objects. Similar to light radiation, microwaves can be focused, reflected, and propagate in the form of rays. Despite the fact that the decoding of the microwave focuses on the "super"-high range, many antennas and radar devices are a slightly enlarged version of mirrors, lenses and other optical elements.
Generation
Since microwave radiation is similar to radio waves, it is generated by similar methods. The decoding of microwaves involves the application of the classical theory of radio waves to it, however, due to the increased range, it is possible to increase the efficiency of its use. For example, one beam alone can "carry" up to a thousand telephone conversations at the same time. The similarities between microwaves and light, expressed in the increased density of information carried, have proven to be useful for radar technology.
Use of microwave frequencies in radar
Waves of centimeter and decimeter ranges became a subject of interest during the Second World War. At that time, there was a need for an effective and innovative means of detection. Then microwave waves were investigated for their use in radar. The bottom line is that intense and short pulses are launched into space, and then some of these rays are registered after returning from the desired distant objects.
Use of microwave frequencies in the field of communications
As we have already said, the decoding of microwaves is ultra-high frequencies. Engineers and technicians decided to apply these radio waves in communication. In all countries, commercial communication lines based on the transmission of high-band waves are actively used. Such radio signals do not go along the curve of the earth's surface, but in a straight line, through relay communication stations located at altitudes at intervals of about fifty kilometers.
Transmission does not require large amounts of electricity, since microwaves allow narrowly directed reception and transmission, and are also amplified at stations by electronic amplifiers before retransmission. The system of antennas, towers, transmitters and receivers seems expensive, but all this pays off with the information capacity of such communication channels.
Use of microwave frequencies in the field of satellite communications
A system of radio towers for relaying microwave signals over long distances can only exist on land. For intercontinental negotiations, artificial satellites are used, which are in geostationary Earth orbit and act as repeaters. Each satellite provides several thousand high-quality communication channels to its customers for simultaneous transmission of television and telephone signals.
Heat treatment of products
The first attempts to use microwaves for food processing received positive, even rave reviews. Microwave ovens are currently used both at home and in the large food industry. generated by electronichigh-power lamps concentrate energy in a small volume, which allows thermal processing of products in a clean, compact and silent way.
The built-in microwave oven is the most widely used in the household and can be found in many kitchens. Also, such household devices are used in all places where quick heating and preparation of dishes is required. A microwave oven with grill, for example, is an absolute must for any self-respecting restaurant.
Main radiation sources
Progress in the use of microwaves is associated with such vacuum devices as klystron and magnetron, which are capable of generating a huge amount of high frequency energy. The use of a magnetron is based on the principle of a cavity resonator, the walls of which are the inductance, and the space between the walls is the capacitance of the resonant circuit. The dimensions of this element are selected according to the required resonant microwave frequency, which would correspond to the desired ratios between capacitance and inductance.
So, the decoding of the microwave - ultra-high frequencies. The size of the generator directly affects the power of such radiation. Small magnetrons for high frequencies are so small that their power cannot reach the required values. The problem is also with the use of heavy magnets. In the klystron, it is partially solved, since this electrovacuum device does not require an external field.
