Microwave Leakage: How Sub-Wavelength Radiation Escapes

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the mechanisms of microwave leakage, specifically how sub-wavelength radiation at 2.45GHz can escape through slits in microwave oven doors that are less than 1 cm wide. The conversation highlights that while microwave ovens function as Faraday cages, leakage can occur when the slit size exceeds the mesh size of the window. The leakage is not solely determined by the wavelength but is influenced by the distance between conducting paths and the polarization of the radiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of microwave radiation and its properties, specifically at 2.45GHz.
  • Knowledge of Faraday cage principles and electromagnetic shielding.
  • Familiarity with polarization effects in electromagnetic waves.
  • Basic concepts of wave mechanics and diffraction.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic shielding and Faraday cages.
  • Study the effects of polarization on microwave radiation.
  • Explore the relationship between slit size and wavelength in wave mechanics.
  • Investigate methods for measuring microwave leakage in appliances.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, appliance manufacturers, and safety inspectors interested in microwave technology and radiation safety.

batlep1
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How can sub-wavelength (about 12 cm./2.45GHz) radiation escape a microwave oven door slit-under 1 cm. wide. Why not a Faraday cage?
 
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Probably polarization, but I'm not sure - where is this question coming from?
 
Coming from M.Lepselter at : mplep@btlfellows.com. Is that your question?
I thought you might have a plasmon answer but polarization is too broad an answer. The box is reflecting from all angles and a 2.45GHz photon is still 12 cm.
 
I don't mean who, I mean what is the purpose of this question - it is very specific.
 
I am developing a band-aid for many leaky microwave ovens.
 
A microwave oven is a Faraday cage. The leak from a door slit will exceed the typical leak rate from the window when the size of the slit exceeds the distance between rulings (mesh size) on the window. You can't simply compare the wavelength to the opening and use that as a hard limit to determine whether or not there will be leakage. There is always some leakage and it is a smooth function of the wavelength and separation between conducting paths.
 

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