Microwave dryers for printing systems that utilize electromagnetic and radiative heating

A method, comprising:

• activating a microwave source that generates electromagnetic energy, wherein the microwave source is electromagnetically coupled to a microwave waveguide that includes a passageway that is sized to pass a medium through the microwave waveguide;
• measuring radio frequency levels of the electromagnetic energy within the microwave waveguide at a plurality of locations along a media path of the medium through the microwave waveguide;
• and
• positioning a plurality of microwave absorbing elements within the microwave waveguide based on the radio frequency levels.

A printing system, comprising:

• a printer configured to apply a colorant to a medium;
• and
• a microwave dryer configured to receive the medium from the printer, the microwave dryer comprising:
• a microwave waveguide that includes a passageway that is sized to pass the medium through the microwave waveguide;
• and
• a plurality of microwave absorbing elements disposed within the microwave waveguide and proximate to the passageway that are configured to absorb electromagnetic energy, and to heat the colorant in conjunction with the electromagnetic energy.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a microwave waveguide configured to transport electromagnetic energy between a first end and a second end, wherein the microwave waveguide includes a passageway that is sized to pass a medium through the microwave waveguide;
• a plurality of microwave absorbing elements disposed within the microwave waveguide and proximate to the passageway that are configured to absorb the electromagnetic energy, and to heat the medium;
• and
• a plurality of guides disposed within the microwave waveguide that are configured to contact the medium on a side of the medium that does not include a wet colorant.