In 1864, James Clerk Maxwell predicted microwaves by the use of his equations. Later, in 1888, Heinrich Hertz created the first microwave. In the first few experiments done by Hertz, he found that electromagnetic waves consist of electromagnetic waves and wavelengths. Microwaves are produced through a cavity magnetron, which is a high-powered vacuum tube that uses the interaction between a stream of electrons with a magnetic wave of electrons that passes through the magnetron and bounces within the cavities, this works to amplify the intensity of the microwave. For a house microwave, waves are reflected within the metal interior of the “box,” which vibrates the food molecules, quickly heating up the food inside (since metal has freely-moving electrons, the microwave waves causing the electron to move will produce heat). However, microwaves are much more than just the cooking tool we use and know of.
Besides preparing your food, the microwave is also great for communication across geostationary satellites because of its small wavelength and high frequency. The high frequency allows satellites to carry more information and makes the process of receiving from antennas much easier. Since microwaves can travel through the atmosphere, they allow operators on Earth to communicate with orbiting satellites. The satellites are then able to send rays to Earth and receive rays from Earth for messages.
Microwaves also allow for the transmission of information, which is used in radar and wireless networks. The antenna from the microwave transmitter transmits a narrow beam that a relay station can receive from the microwave radio relay. The difference between regular radio waves and microwaves is their frequency—microwaves have a frequency of 300 MHz to 300 GHz in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Microwaves are also largely utilized in military equipment. One example is the Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR), which shoots out a microwave burst to produce an unspecified “counter-electronic effect.” THOR has a longer range than normal guns or net guns and is powered by a strong generator. Another example of microwaves being used in military weapons is the Pain Ray. This weapon sends microwaves that burst into the skin, which creates a burning sensation for the target. It can heat the skin to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in just two seconds.
Of course, there are still many fascinating uses for microwaves out there—such as spacecraft thrusters (by reflecting the microwaves and creating thrust via heating the propellant). Microwave has massive potential to create even more seemingly impossible technology in the span of the next ten years.
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