Microwave energy applicator

A method of applying microwaves to rock, the method comprising:

• generating microwaves;
• guiding the microwaves through a waveguide;
• receiving the microwaves from the waveguide into an applicator comprising a longitudinal channel defined by a continuous sidewall extending from an inlet to an outlet, and at least one ridge protruding into the longitudinal channel a first distance at a first location along the longitudinal channel and a second distance at a second location along the longitudinal channel that is greater than the first distance to alter an energy level of the microwaves;
• and
• focusing the microwaves into the rock.

An apparatus for focusing microwaves, the apparatus comprising:

• a body defining a longitudinal channel that extends from an inlet to an outlet;
• and
• at least one longitudinal ridge protruding into the longitudinal channel from an inner wall of the body,
• wherein at least a part of the at least one longitudinal ridge comprises an airfoil shape.

An apparatus for focusing microwaves, the apparatus comprising:

• a body defining a longitudinal channel that extends from an inlet to an outlet;
• and
• two longitudinal ridges protruding into the longitudinal channel from an inner wall of the body;
• wherein the two longitudinal ridges are located on opposite inner walls of the longitudinal channel.

A microwave-based system for mining rock, the system comprising:

• a microwave generator;
• a robotic arm connected with the microwave generator and comprising a waveguide segment configured to guide therethrough microwaves generated by the microwave generator;
• and
• an applicator located at an end of the robotic arm, the applicator defining a channel configured to guide therethrough microwaves from the waveguide segment through an exit for application to the rock, wherein at least a portion of the channel that decreases in cross-sectional area towards the exit comprises an insert configured to alter an energy level of the microwaves.