Loss profile analysis

A method of applying radio frequency (RF) energy to an object in a cavity, the method comprising:

• discretizing the cavity into a plurality of regions, the plurality of regions overlapping with at least a portion of the object;
• controlling at least one of frequency, phase, or relative amplitude of electromagnetic waves generated by a source of RF energy to apply RF energy to the cavity to excite a plurality of electromagnetic field patterns in the cavity, wherein each of the plurality of electromagnetic field patterns is spatially mapped to the plurality of regions;
• for each of the plurality of electromagnetic field patterns, determining an amount of RF power dissipated in the cavity;
• and
• determining a spatial distribution of energy absorption characteristics across at least a portion of the plurality of regions based on the amounts of RF power, each corresponding to one of the plurality of electromagnetic field patterns.