Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Microwave Athermal Effects in Chemistry: A Myth’s Autopsy – Pat I: Historial background and fundamentals of wave-matter interaction [PDF]
AUTHORS	D.A.C. Stuerga and P. Gaillard 1996 31 2 87-100
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Abstract The purpose of this paper is to enlighten by a theoretical analysis the controversial question of athermal, specific or molecular effects of microwave heating claimed in chemistry. In this Part I, thermodynamic considerations relating to transition state theories are reviewed. The different assumptions of specific effects claimed in chemistry are examined, and a brief overview of biological effects of electromagnetic irradiation are reported. Chemical experiments which claim athermal effects then are analyzed. Finally, fundamentals of wave matter interaction are given. Key Words: Specific effects, Athermal effects, Bioeffects, Reaction rate enhancement, Wave-matter interaction.