Methods and devices for applying RF energy according to energy application schedules

An apparatus for applying electromagnetic (EM) energy at a plurality of modulation space elements (MSEs) to an object in an energy application zone, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one detector configured to detect power emitted into the energy application zone and power arriving from the energy application zone;
• at least one processor configured to receive information from the at least one detector;
• at least one radiating element connected to the at least one processor, and configured to radiate to the energy application zone EM energy supplied under the control of the at least one processor;
• a memory including instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including:
• receiving information sensed by the at least one detector and determining an energy application schedule based on the information sensed by the at least one detector, the energy application schedule comprising timing instructions for applying the EM energy at an irregular order of MSEs;
• and
• causing application of the EM energy to the object in the energy application zone via the at least one radiating element, at the irregular order of MSEs.