The pattern of microwave heat distribution depends on many physical parameters, which may include the electromagnetic field, the specific absorption rate and structure of the processed material, the geometrical dimensions of the processing cavity, etc.
For example, the uniformity of microwave heat distribution is key parameter in microwave food sterilization, due to the potential danger directly related to human health if the food has not been heated evenly up to desirable temperature for neutralization of possible bacteria population.
There are many different methods for achieving uniform heat distribution inside the irradiated material.
The proper microwave energy pattern is necessary for attaining a uniform heat release.
Electromagnetic-Temperature Control & Optimization of Microwave Thermal Processing A hybrid technique for computing the power distribution generated in a lossy medium during microwave heating Microwave processing of Materials, National Research Council, Publication NMAB-473, Washington, DC, 1994 J. Chang, and M. Brodwin, “A new applicator for efficient uniform heating using a circular cylindrical geometry,” J.