Forum for Science, Industry and Business
  • Sponsored by:
  • Siemens
  • Siemens
  • Siemens
Search our Site:

Topic (optional):

 

Home Reports Process Engineering Content

Microwave ovens that won’t mess with your cordless phone and wireless computer

next article
28.10.2003

 


Microwave spectrum of new magnetron from the University of Michigan


45th Annual Meeting of the Division of Plasma Physics

A new invention removes noisy microwave signals from microwave ovens and prevents them from interfering with cordless phones and wireless computer networks. The new technology, developed by plasma physicists at the University of Michigan, is also expected to lead to more efficient microwave ovens, with little or no addition to the ovens’ cost.

Microwave ovens heat food by emitting microwaves from a device called a magnetron. Those microwaves then heat and cook the food. One problem with magnetrons is that they emit extra "noisy" microwaves at frequencies that can interfere with other devices. Microwave ovens share an unlicensed part of the microwave frequency band with cordless phones and computer communications systems such as Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b,g (the standards for wireless networks).

The new magnetron produces a "clean" signal with essentially zero emissions apart from the 2.45 GHz frequency it is designed to emit. The secret is in arranging the magnetic fields in the magnetron just the right way. Fortunately, this configuration can be implemented very inexpensively in practically all magnetrons of different makes, ages and power outputs, making it feasible for use in consumer microwave ovens.

Contacts
Ron Gilgenbach, Univ of Michigan, 505-842-1234, rongilg@umich.edu
Y. Y. Lau, Univ of Michigan, 505-842-1234, yylau@umich.edu

David Harris | Source: American Physical Society
Further information: www.aps.org/meet/DPP03/baps/abs/S2080066.html
gk.umd.edu/DPP/press3.html

next article

More articles from Process Engineering:

nachricht SCHOTT develops new manufacturing technique for its LASF35 glass
13.06.2008 | SCHOTT AG

nachricht The crack as a tool
30.05.2008 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

B2B Search

Product / Service
Company / Organisation

Latest News

Structure of key epigenetics component identified

04.09.2008 | Life Sciences

MIT probe could aid quantum computing

04.09.2008 | Physics and Astronomy

Smoke Smudges Mexico City’s Air, Chemists Identify Sources

04.09.2008 | Ecology, The Environment and Conservation