Microwaves are non-ionising electromagnetic beams in the frequency range between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. Microwaves have a wide range of applications, from communication technology and radar applications to the heating of materials and the generation of plasmas. At the Fraunhofer ICT, research in the area of microwave and plasma technology is concerned with the development of microwave and plasma processes for application in industrial processes. The entire production chain is therefore available for successful developments.

The ICT's competence in the field of microwave and plasma technology extends far beyond the simple heating of dielectric materials and basic surface modifications. Emphasis is placed on the homogenous and reproducible heating of dielectric materials, the specific application of microwave-induced plasmas in coating processes, and the generation of UV light with adjusted spectral intensity.

The development of these processes is closely linked to the development of new microwave input systems at the ICT, which can be used for heating or plasma generation.

Research for industrial applications is carried out particularly in the following areas:

• Heating processes for dielectric materials

• Development of microwave input systems

• Development of plasma sources

• Development and integration of plasma processes into processing technology

• Simulation of microwave fields and plasmas

• Microwaves for process control in polymer technology

• Fibre treatment using physical methods