Microwave Heating Unit and Method

(19) *EP003747289A1*

(11) EP 3 747 289 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.: 09.12.2020 Bulletin 2020/50 A24F 47/00 (2020.01) A61M 15/06 (2006.01) H05B 6/80 (2006.01) (21) Application number: 19178687.0

(22) Date of filing: 06.06.2019

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB • KÜHN, Silvio GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO 16348 Wandlitz (DE) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • DUMLER, Ralf Designated Extension States: 1870 Monthey (CH) BA ME • TORREÑO NÚÑEZ, Alberto Designated Validation States: 6890 Lustenau (AT) KH MA MD TN (74) Representative: Hoefer & Partner Patentanwälte (71) Applicant: Torrenño Núñez, Alberto mbB 6890 Lustenau (AT) Pilgersheimer Straße 20 81543 München (DE)

(54) MICROWAVE HEATING UNIT AND METHOD

(57) The present invention refers to a microwave figured to receive and hold a sample (2) in a holding and heating method and unit (1) for heating an aerosol-form- exposing space (15) and to expose the sample (2) to a ing sample (2) due to microwave absorption by a material microwave radiation field (25) within said holding and ex- (102) of the sample (2) and in particular for thereby re- posing space (15), (ii) a microwave radiation generating leasing by or from said sample (2) upon heating said and/or releasing unit (20) configured to release the mi- sample (2) at least one aerosol, in particular in a or as a crowave radiation field (25) to said holding and exposing inhalation, vaporizer and/or smoking product or device space (15), and (iii) an impedance matching unit (30) (1’), in particular for medical and/or pulmonary drug de- configured to achieve impedance matching between the livery applications. The microwave heating unit (1) com- holding and exposing space (15) and the microwave ra- prises (i) a sample holding and exposing unit (10) con- diation field (25). EP 3 747 289 A1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 3 747 289 A1 2

Description (iv) a free running oscillator which is configured to generate, and supply said microwave and/or RF ra- [0001] The present invention refers to microwave heat- diation field and/or said underlying microwave and/or ing units and methods which are in particular configured RF radiation signal. for heating an aerosol-forming sample due to microwave 5 absorption by a material of the sample and in particular [0007] By these measures a comparable high degree for thereby releasing by or from said sample upon heating of reliability of the heating process can be achieved, in said sample at least one aerosol and/or in a or as a in- particular in terms of rapidity, uniformity and/or complete- halation, vaporizer and/or smoking product or device, in ness. This is in particular achieved by means of a con- particular for medical and/or pulmonary drug delivery ap- 10 tactless and/or non-the resistive heating process under- plications. line the invention’s microwave heating unit and method. [0002] There are devices as consumer products [0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the in- known, for instance such as E-cigarettes or the like, which vention’s microwave heating unit said sample holding are configured in order to release an aerosol from a sam- and exposing unit comprises a sample holder defining ple due to heating. However, these known devices suffer 15 and forming said holding and exposing space within an from incomplete, non-uniform and/or comparable slow interior, in particular as a cavity, by means of first and heating of the sample. Accordingly, the required temper- second holding portions and/or first and second holding ature and/or temperature distribution cannot be achieved portions separated by a slit structure. for realizing a suitable heating process in order to serve [0009] Advantageously the impedance matching unit all the consumers requirements. 20 and in particular an impedance matching network thereof [0003] It is an object underlying the present invention is or are tunable in its matching properties concerning at to provide alternative microwave heating units and meth- least one of impedance, frequency and the aerosol-form- ods which have improved heating and thus aerosol re- ing sample. By these measures the effectiveness and/or leasing capabilities. uniformity of the microwave heating process can be fur- [0004] The object underlying the present invention is 25 ther improved. achieved by microwave heating unit according to inde- [0010] The impedance matching unit and in particular pendent claim 1 and by a microwave heating method an impedance matching network thereof may comprise according to independent claim 12. Preferred embodi- at least one of ments are defined in the respective dependent claims. [0005] According to a first aspect of the present inven- 30 - electrodes for generating the microwave radiation tion a microwave and/or RF (radio frequency) heating field upon receipt of an underlying microwave radi- unit for heating an aerosol-forming sample due to micro- ation signal and/or which geometrically fit to the aer- wave and/or RF absorption by a material of the sample osol-forming sample, holding and exposing space and in particular for thereby releasing by or from said and/or a or the cavity thereof, sample upon heating said sample at least one aerosol is 35 provided, in particular in a or as a inhalation, vaporizer - an output which contains waveguide structures, and/or smoking product or device, in particular for pul- transmission lines and/or stubs, monary drug delivery. [0006] The microwave and/or RF heating unit accord- - 1/8 λ to 1/4 λ wave guide matching elements, where- ing to the present invention comprises: 40 in λ denotes the wavelength of the underlying microwave radiation, and (i) a sample holding and exposing unit configured to receive and hold a sample in a holding and exposing - one or plural dielectric material portions, space and to expose the sample to a microwave radiation field within said holding and exposing space, 45 by means of which the impedance matching unit is in particular tunable in its properties. (ii) a microwave radiation and/or RF unit configured [0011] Further additionally or alternatively the micro- to supply the microwave and/or RF radiation field wave radiation unit may be or may comprise one or plural and/or an underlying microwave and/or RF radiation microwave radiation sources and/or microwave radiation signal to said holding and exposing space, 50 signal sources, in particular in the form of solid-state mi- and at least one of crowave sources or and/or microwave radiation signal sources, respectively. (iii) an impedance matching unit configured to [0012] Further additionally or alternatively a connect- achieve impedance matching between the holding ing configuration regarding such one or plural microwave and exposing space and the microwave and/or RF 55 radiation sources and/or microwave radiation signal radiation field and/or the underlying microwave sources may be provided, set connecting configuration and/or RF radiation signal and having a connector and/or a waveguide for providing connection to the respective source.

2 3 EP 3 747 289 A1 4

[0013] Said one or plural microwave radiation (signal) lator at least one of sources and/or solid-state microwave (signal) sources may be configured such that upon energization they are - is connected to the sample holding and exposing capable of generating and/or releasing said underlying unit or is a part thereof, microwave radiation field and/or said microwave radia- 5 tion field signal. - is, comprises and/or realizes an IQ modulator and/or [0014] Accordingly, a power source unit may be pro- the functionality of an IQ modulator which means the vided which is configured in order to energize the under- ability of controlling the phase and / or the gain and lying microwave radiation unit and in particular the one or plural microwave radiation (signal) sources and which 10 - comprises within a feedback loop a or the transistor in particular comprises one or plural DC power sources. amplifier, an or the impedance matching unit and/or [0015] Said microwave radiation unit and in particular impedance matching network and a or the ampli- a microwave radiation (signal) source thereof may be or tude/phase correction device. may comprise a transistor amplifier. [0016] The impedance matching unit and in particular 15 [0023] The operation and thus the oscillation process an impedance matching network thereof may be or may of the free running oscillator is initiated by the statistical comprise a microwave feedback port and/or a microwave and/or stochastic properties and in particular by noise of signal feedback port which is connected to an input of the overall electric circuit. Amplitude, phase and gain the transistor amplifier in order to meet an underlying properties are defined by the electric properties of the oscillation condition. 20 further components and/or geometry and material por- [0017] Under such circumstances it is of particular ad- tions of the sample, the sample holding and exposing vantage if an additional smart phase and/or an amplitude means and in particular the sample holder with the hold- correction device is or are connected in between the feeding and exposing space and in particular the cavity and back port and the input of the transistor amplifier. the impedance matching unit and network, for instance [0018] The microwave radiation generating and/or re- 25 the slit structure and any dielectric. leasing unit and in particular a microwave source thereof [0024] In general and in an initial stage of the oscillation may be or may comprise a transistor amplifier and in process, all frequency components are contained ac- particular may have an input that is connected to an out- cording to its ratio within the noise spectrum. However put of a low power signal source. and based on the further properties of the entire circuit [0019] Under such circumstances the low power signal 30 and in particular of an employed face an amplitude cor- source may be or may comprise at least one of a phased rection device, the required signal can be obtained in locked loop (PLL), a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) amplified formed by and according feedback process. and a direct digital synthesis (DDS). [0025] In this regard, the phase and amplitude correc- [0020] A Microwave and/or RF heating unit according tion device is able to shift the overall phase response as to the present invention may be configured in order to at 35 well as the overall gain of the amplifier or amplifier chain least one of and resonant impedance matching to meet the phase and amplitude condition at desired frequency to make - process an aerosol-forming sample which is formed the circuit to an oscillator. A slight tuning of frequency of as or comprises at least one of a liquid substance, oscillation is possible by change the phase part. With a solid substance, a medical cannabis containing 40 adjusting the overall gains amplitude, the second mayor substance, a nicotine containing substance, a phyto- oscillation condition is controllable and needs to meet at active substance, a botanical drug substance, a small signal condition a gain of at least one. It can be pharmaceutical active substance and a tobacco sub- used for power and efficiency control. stance, and [0026] Of course, the impedance matching unit and 45 network and the properties are of importance, too: - to release said at least one aerosol comprising at In general a high electrical field at the given frequency is least one of a phyto-active substance, botanical drug required to heat up the sample dielectrically. When using substance and a pharmaceutical active ingredient. signals at low frequency, transformers and/or lumped elements like capacitors and inductors/coils building res- [0021] In distinct concrete embodiments, the inven- 50 onant circuits which can be used to match the generator tion’s microwave heating unit may be formed in or as at output impedance to the high impedance behavior of the least one of an a drug delivery product and/or device, electrodes for dielectric heating of the sample. The elec- inhalation product and/or device, smoking product and/or trical loss of the sample material given by its tan(8) prop- device, a mobile product and/or device and/or a portable erty does provide the real part of the impedance and product and/or device. 55 causes heating of the sample when inserting electrical [0022] According to a further alternative or additional fields. preferred embodiment of the invention’s microwave [0027] At higher frequencies it is more suitable to use and/or RF heating unit the underlying free running oscil- transmission lines and waveguides to match electrodes

3 5 EP 3 747 289 A1 6 and signal source. Which means increase the voltage metal powder, semiconductor powder and combina- amplitude of the source output. The electrodes of the tions and mixtures thereof, holding structure have a slightly capacitive impedance cause of its geometry, e.g. in the order of magnitude of or any of their combinations. 100 fF. A transmission line - e.g. as a part of the imped- 5 [0030] In order to achieve a higher microwave efficien- ance matching unit 30, namely 30a) with a length of about cy, materials referred to herein as sensitizers may be a 1/8 λ to about 1/5 λ transforms it to lower capacitive im- part of or may be mixed with the aerosol-forming material pedance which is equivalent to higher capacitance. at low concentrations in order to significantly increase When connecting a coil or the short circuit with a short the local dielectric loss. When exposed to microwave en- waveguide less the 1/10 λ at this point, the inductive and 10 ergy, the sensitizer creates uniform heating of the aerosol capacitive part compensate each other and build a res- forming material and increase efficiency of heating. onance circuit. This type of impedance matching trans- [0031] Preferably, a temperature of the aerosol-form- forms the electrical losses of the sample into a suitable ing sample is measured or/and approximated and a value impedance range for microwave signal sources e.g. tran- of which may be fed to a temperature control loop unit sistor output stages. 15 configured for controlling power supplied for energizing [0028] The present invention further relates to micro- a microwave generation and/or releasing process. wave and/or RF (radio frequency) heating method for [0032] It is of particular advantage to have an operation heating an aerosol-forming sample due to microwave ab- frequency which within a range of about 1 MHz to about sorption by a material of said sample and in particular for 15 GHz, preferably in an ISM band, in a range of about thereby releasing by or from said sample upon heating 20 2.4 GHz to about 2.5 GHz and/or with a center frequency said sample at least one aerosol, the at least one aerosol of about 2.45 GHz. comprising at least one of a phyto-active substance and [0033] An underline operation power in continuous a pharmaceutical active ingredient, wherein a microwave mode may be in a range from about 0.1 mW to 50 Watt heating unit according to any one of the preceding claims and preferably around about 2 W. is used for heating said sample. 25 [0034] Additionally or alternatively, an operation power [0029] Different entities may be used and/or heated as in a pulsed mode may be in a range from about 0.1 mW a sample and/or as a part thereof, e.g.: to about 50 W and preferably around about 3 W. [0035] An operation power may be ramped up between - an aerosol-forming substrate of a smoking article, in a value of about 0.1 W and a value of about 30 W. particular of a nicotine and/or non-nicotine contain- 30 [0036] As a further additional or alternative embodi- ing smoking article, ment, an operation frequency may be set to a constant value. - a tobacco-loaded solid-aerosol forming sample of a [0037] An operation frequency may also be varied with smoking sample, in particular of a nicotine and/or time and in particular swept between a minimum value non-nicotine containing smoking sample, 35 and the maximum value, in particular between about 2.4 GHz and about 2.5 GHz. - an aerosol-forming substrate with or of a nicotine [0038] According to preferred embodiments of the and/or non-nicotine containing liquid, present invention, an aerosol-forming sample may be used that is formed as, comprise, may be contained in- - an aerosol-forming active pharmaceutical ingredi- 40 side and/or may be packed inside at least one of a fluid ent, material, a solid material, a tablet, capsule, cartridge, shell vial, pellet and/or can be fitted according to the size - an aerosol-forming phyto-active substance and in of an underlying cavity and/or pharmaceutical excipients particular from raw plant material and/or from a plant are added to the aerosol-forming sample. material, 45 [0039] Further alternatively or additionally, said aerosol-forming sample may be or may form a vessel and/or - an aerosol-forming delta-9-Tetrahydrocanabinol may have a housing, wherein the housing in particular (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) and/or cannabi- may be transparent with respect to microwave radiation, noids containing plant material, may comprise or may be formed of plastic, synthetic ma- 50 terial, poly-propylene, glass, quartz and/or has a compa- - an aerosol-forming botanical drug substance and/or rable low dielectric loss factor ε" and/or a comparable a botanical drug product, and/or low loss tangent tan(δ). [0040] As a further alternative or additional embodi- - an aerosol-forming substrate having at least one of ment of the present invention, underlying capsule, car- microwave sensitizers and/or absorbers of the group 55 tridge or the like may be formed of or may comprise glass of substances which comprises functionalized or quartz, in particular comprising ITO (indium tin oxide) polysilsesquioxanes, carbon nanotubes, graphite, at its ends, as ITO is electrically conducting and may graphene, activated carbon, activated charcoal, therefore supply the high-frequency or microwave signal

4 7 EP 3 747 289 A1 8 to the interior of the capsule. Said capsule may further Opener), Spearmint, Sweet Flag, Syrian Rue (Peganum in such an arrangement comprise 2 through holes with harmala), Thyme, Turmeric, Valerian, Wild Yam, Worm- a ceiling in order to allow a gas stream or airstream to wood, Yarrow, Yerba Mate, Yohimbe, Cannabis sativa, flow therethrough for releasing the aerosol generated Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, any part and/or from the inside. 5 any combination thereof. [0041] Said aerosol-forming sample may be contained [0043] Additionally or alternatively a sample may be in a vessel formed as a mouthpiece which is configured used which comprises and/or is capable of releasing a for allowing inhalation of the formed aerosol, as an inte- pharmacologically active agent of the sample and/or of gral piece, as a disposal and/or to comprise a filter, in the aerosol released is selected from the group compris- particular with the low or very low particulate filtration 10 ing A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), efficiency, and/or a hollow tube. cannabigerols (CBG), cannabichromenes (CBC), can- [0042] According to preferred embodiments of the nabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol present invention a plant-based material may be used (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tet- which may be selected from the group comprising Can- rahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabitriol (CBT) and nabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, Aca- 15 combinations and parts thereof. cia spp, Amanita muscaria, Yage, Atropa belladonna, [0044] According to further additional or alternative Areca catechu, Brugmansia spp., Brunfelsia latifolia, preferred embodiments of the present invention within Desmanthus illinoensis, Banisteriopsis caapi, Trichocer- the inventions microwave heating method a sample may eus spp., Theobroma cacao, Capsicum spp., Cestrum be used which comprises and/or is capable of releasing spp., Erythroxylum coca, Solenostemon scutellarioides, 20 one or plural flavorants and/or sensates, said one or plu- Arundo donax, Coffea arabica, Datura spp., Desfontainia ral flavorants and/or sensates configured to generate spp., Diplopterys cabrerana, Ephedra sinica, Claviceps taste and/or aroma, including any natural or synthetic purpurea, Paullinia cupana, Argyreia nervosa, Hyoscya- flavorant, such as tobacco, smoke, menthol, mint, such mus niger, Tabernanthe iboga, Lagochilus inebriens, as peppermint and spearmint, chocolate, licorice, citrus Justicia pectoralis, Sceletium tortuosum, Piper methys- 25 and other fruit flavorants, gamma octalactone, vanillin, ticum, Catha edulis, Mitragyna speciosa, Leonotis leonu- ethyl vanillin, breath freshener flavorants, spice flavo- rus, Nymphaea spp., Nelumbo spp., Sophora secundi- rants such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, ber- flora, Mucuna pruriens, Mandragora officinarum, Mimosa gamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, and ginger oil, flavorant tenuiflora, Ipomoea violacea, Psilocybe spp., Panaeolus compounds selected from the group comprising of an spp., Myristica fragrans, Turbina corymbosa, Passiflora 30 acid, an alcohol, an ester, an aldehyde, a ketone, a pyra- incarnata, Lophophora williamsii, Phalaris spp., Duboisia zine, combinations thereof and equivalents, from the hopwoodii, Papaver somniferum, Psychotria viridis, spp., group consisting of phenylacetic acid, solanone, Salvia divinorum, Combretum quadrangulare, Trichocer- megastigmatrienone, 2-heptanone, benzylalcohol, cis-3- eus pachanoi, Heimia salicifolia, Stipa robusta, Solandra hexenyl acetate, valeric acid, valeric aldehyde, ester, ter- spp., Hypericum perforatum, Peganum harmala, Taber- 35 pene, sesquiterpene, nootkatone, maltol, damascenone, naemontanaspp, Camellia sinensis, Nicotiana tabacum, pyrazine, lactone, anethole, iso-valeric acid, combina- rusticum, Virola theidora, Voacanga africana, Lactuca vi- tions thereof and equivalents, in encapsulated form for rosa, Artemisia absinthium, Ilex paraguariensis, Anade- controlled delivery, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nanthera spp., Corynanthe yohimbe, Calea zacatechichi, menthol, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, Coffea spp. (Rubiaceae), a Sapindaceae, Camellia spp., 40 anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, Malvaceae spp., Aquifoliaceae spp., Hoodia, spp. Cham- cassia, spearmint, fennel, ginger, ethylacetate, isoamy- omilla recutita, Passiflora incarnate, Camellia sinensis, lacetate, propylisobutyrate, isobutylbutyrate, ethylbu- Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, Rubus idaeus, Euca- tyrate, ethylvalerate, benzylformate, limonene, cymene, lyptus globulus, Lavandula officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, peppermint Melissa officinalis, Aloe Vera, Angelica, Anise, Ayahuas- 45 oil, orange oil, coriander oil, borneol, fruit extract, and ca (Banisteriopsis caapi), Barberry, Black Horehound, equivalents. In a preferred embodiment, essential oils Blue Lotus, Burdock, Camomille/Chamomile, Caraway, and essences of coffee, tea, cacao, and mint, a suitable Cat’s Claw, Clove, Comfrey, Corn Silk, Couch Grass, amount of a flavorant present in core ranges from about Damiana, Damiana, Dandelion, Ephedra, Eucalyptus, 0.001 wt % to about 50 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about Evening Primrose, Fennel, Feverfew, Fringe Tree, Gar- 50 40 wt %, from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, flavorant lic, Ginger, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Goldenrod, Goldenseal, incorporated as a solid powder, sprayed dried as a liquid, Gotu Kola, Green Tea, Guarana, Hawthorn, Hops, or mixed with starch or gum-type matrix, and/or wherein Horsetail, Hyssop, Kola Nut, Kratom, Lavender, Lemon any sensate is formed as or comprises one or plural an Balm, Licorice, Lion’s Tail (Wild Dagga), Maca Root, ingredients configured to order to induce a sensorial ex- Marshmallow, Meadowsweet, Milk Thistle, Motherwort, 55 perience, such as tingling, sensation of warmth, sensa- Passion Flower, Passionflower, Peppermint, Prickly tion of cooling, and equivalents, and is or comprises at Poppy, Purslane, Raspberry Leaf, Red Poppy, Sage, least one of an acetic acid, adipic acid, citric acid, lactic Saw Palmetto, Sida Cordifolia, Sinicuichi (Mayan Sun acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, equivalents

5 9 EP 3 747 289 A1 10 and mixtures thereof, with a suitable amount of a sensate utin penicillin; dicloxacillin; diphenicillin; heptylpenidillin; agent in ranges of about 0.001 wt % to about 5 wt %, and metampicillin. preferably of about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, and/or their [0050] Where the drug is an anticonvulsant, it may be arbitrary combinations. selected from one of the following compounds: gabap- [0045] A sample may be used which comprises of to- 5 entin, tiagabine, and vigabatrin. bacco, tobacco extracts and tobacco capsules, any raw [0051] Where the drug is an antidepressant, it may be or processed form of tobacco, as a powder, as a dust, a selected from one of the following compounds: amitriptyl- granule, a shred, a slurry, a flowable gel and equivalents, ine, amnoxapine, benmoxine, butriptyline, clomipramine, in particular with a final tobacco concentration ranging desipramine, dosulepin, doxepin, imipramine, kitanserin, from 1 wt. % to 99 wt. % of a final composition and/or at 10 lofepramine, medifoxamine, mianserin, maprotoline, mir- most from about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, tazapine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or viloxazine, citalopram, cotinine, duloxetine, fluoxetine, 90% tobacco and/or one of the arbitrary combinations. fluvoxamine, milnacipran, nisoxetine, paioxetine, rebox- [0046] According to other preferred embodiments of etine, sertraline, tianeptine, acetaphenazine, binedaline, the invention’s microwave heating method sample may 15 brofaromine, cericlamine, clovoxamine, iproniazid, iso- be used which comprises one or plural of humectants for carboxazid, moclobemide, phenyhydrazine, pheneizine, maintaining and/or protecting moisture levels of the sam- selegiline, sibutramine, tranylcypromine, ademetionine, ple material and in particular of tobacco material in to- adrafinil, amesergide, amnisuipride, amperozide, benac- bacco-containing hydrogel capsules and/or as preserv- tyzine, bupropion, caroxazone, gepirone, idazoxan, me- atives to remove excess water and thereby, reduce the 20 tralindole, milnacipran, minaprine, nefazodone, noinifen- growth of micro-organisms, to provide a higher moisture sine, ritanserin, roxindole, Sadenosylmethionine, feel in a drier sample material, tobacco material, tobacco tofenacin, trazodone, tryptophan, venlafaxine, and zal- substitute material and/or a drier smokeless tobacco ma- ospirone. terial, comprising one or plural of glycerol and propylene [0052] Where the drug is an antiemetic, it may be se- glycol and/or in ranges from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 lected from one of the following compounds: alizapride, 5 wt. %, from about 0.1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, and/or azasetron, benzquinamide, bromopride, buclizine, chior- their arbitrary combinations. promazine, cinnarizine, clebopride, cyclizine, diphenhy- [0047] According to other additional or alternative pre- dramine, cliphenidol, dolasetron methanesulfonate, ferred embodiments of the invention’s microwave heat- droperidol, granisetron, hyoscine, lorazeparn, metoclo- ing method , a sample may be used which comprises a 30 pramide, metopimazine, ondansetron, perphenazine, liquid, selected from the group of polyhydric alcohols con- promethazine, prochiorperazine, scopolamine, triethylp- sisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and combinations erazine, trifluoperazine, triflupromazine, trimethobenza- thereof. mide, tropisetron, domeridone, and palonosetron. [0048] In the following, further alternative or additional [0053] Where the drug is an antihistamine, it may be preferred embodiments of the present invention in view 35 selected from one of the following compounds: azata- of the involved aerosol-forming sample and the underly- dine, brompheniramine, chiorpheniramine, clemastine, ing material of the sample are presented: cyproheptadine, dexmedetomidine, diphenhydramine, An ingredient of the aerosol-forming sample and/or of doxylamine, hydroxyzine, cetrizine, fexofenadine, lorati- the underlying material of the sample may comprise a dine, and promethazine. drug of the composition of one of the following classes: 40 [0054] Where the drug is an antiparkinsonian drug, it antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antiemet- may be selected one of the following compounds: aman- ics, antihistamines, antiparkinsonian drugs, antipsychot- tadine, baclofen, biperiden, benztropine, orphenadrine, ics, anxiolytics, drugs for erectile dysfunction, drugs for procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl, levodopa, carbidopa, sel- migraine headaches, drugs for the treatment of alcohol- egiline, deprenyl, andropinirole, apomnorphine, benser- ism, drugs for the treatment of addiction, muscle relax- 45 azide, bromocriptine, budipine, cabergoline, dihydroer- ants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, other an- gokryptine, eliprodil, eptastigmine, ergoline pramipexole, algesics and stimulants. galanthamine, lazabemide, lisuride, mazindol, meman- [0049] Where the drug is an antibiotic, may be selected tine, mofegiline, pergolike, pramipexole, propentofylline, from one of the following compounds: cefmetazole; ce- rasagiline, remacemide, spheramine, terguride, entaca- fazolin; cephalexin; cefoxitin; cephacetrile; cephalogly- 50 pone, and tolcapone. cin; cephaloridine; cephalosporins, such as cepha- [0055] Where the drug is an antipsychotic, it may be losporin C; cephalotin; cephamycins, such as cephamy- selected from one of the following compounds: ace- cin A, cephamycin B, and cephamycin C; cepharin; ce- tophenazine, alizapride, anperozide, benperidol, benz- phradine; ampicillin; amoxicillin; hetacillin; carfecillin; quinamide, bromperidol, buramate, butaperazine, car- carindacillin; carbenicillin; amylpenicillin; azidocillin; ben- 55 phenazine, carpipramine, chlorpromazine, chiorprothix- zylpenicillin; clometocillin; cloxacillin; cyclacillin; methi- ene, clocapramine, clomacran, clopenthixol, clospira- cillin; nafcillin; 2pentenylpenicillin; penicillins, such as zine, clothiapine, cyanemazine, droperidol, flupenthixol, penicillin N, penicillin 0, penicillin S, penicillin V; chiorob- fluphenazine, fluspirilene, haloperidol, mesoridazine,

6 11 EP 3 747 289 A1 12 metofenazate, molindrone, penfluridol, pericyazine, per- acetyl methadol, lofentanil, levorphanol, meperidine, phenazine, pimozide, pipamerone, piperacetazine, pipo- methadone, meptazinol, metopon, morphine, nalbu- tiazine, prochiorperazine, promazine, remoxipride, phine, nalorphine, oxycodone, papaveretum, pethidine, sertindole, spiperone, sulpiride, thioridazine, thiothixene, pentazocine, phenazocine, remifentanil, sufentanil, and trifluperidol, triflupronazine, trifluoperazine, ziprasidone, 5 tramadol. zotepine, zuclopenthixol, anisuipride, butaclamol, cloza- [0064] Where the drug is another analgesic, it may be pine, melperone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperi- selected from one of the following compounds: apazone, done. benzpiperylon, benzydramine, caffeine, clonixin, etho- [0056] Where the drug is an anxiolytic, it may be se- heptazine, flupirtine, nefopam, orphenadrine, propaceta- lected from one of the following compounds: 10 mol, and propoxyphene. mecloqualone, medetomidine, metomidate, adinazolai, [0065] Where the drug is a stimulant, it may be selected chiordiazepoxide, clobenzepam, flurazepam, lo- from one of the following compounds: amphetamine, bru- razepam, loprazulam, midazolam, alpidem, alseroxion, cine, caffeine, dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, amphenidone, azacyclonol, bromisovalum, buspirone, ephedrine, fenfluramine, mazindol, methylphenidate, calcium N-carboamoylaspartate, captodiamine, capu- 15 pemoline, phentermine, and sibutramine. ride, carbcloral, carbromal, chloral betaine, enciprazine, [0066] The drug may be selected from one of the fol- flesinoxan, ipsapiraone, lesopitron, loxapine, meth- lowing compounds: indoles, trypamines, benzofuranes, aqualone, methprylon, propanolol, tandospirone, traza- ibogoids, ergolines, phenetylamines, substituted done, zopiclone, and zolpidem. phenethylamines, indane derivatives, benzocyclobuten [0057] Where the drug is a drug for erectile dysfunc- 20 derivatives, nBOMe derivatives, NBOH derivatives, tion, it may be selected from one of the following com- NBMD derivatives, NBF derivatives, substituted amphet- pounds: Cialis (IC351), sildenafil, vardenafil, apomor- amines (alpha-methyl-phenethylamines): Substituted phine, apomorphine diacetate, phentolamine, and yo- amphetamines (alpha-methyl-phenethylamines), DOx himbine. family (2,5-dimethoxy, 4-substituted amphetamines), [0058] Where the drug is a drug for migraine headache, 25 phenylcyclopropylamine derivatives (technically not am- it may be selected from one of the following compounds: phetamines), substituted methylenedioxy-phenethyl- almotriptan, alperopride, codeine, dihydroergotamine, amines (MDxx), substituted amphetamines, cathinones, ergotamine, eletriptan, frovatriptan, isometheptene, lido- substituted cathinones, benzofuranes, substituted ben- caine, lisuride, metoclopramide, naratriptan, oxycodone, zofurans, tetraline, substituted tetralins, substituted in- propoxyphene, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, tolfenamic acid, 30 danes, substituted napthalenes, substituted phenyl- zolmitriptan, amitriptyline, atenolol, clonidine, cyprohep- isobutylamines (alpha-ethyl-phenethylamines), alpha- tadine, diltiazem, doxepin, fluoxetine, lisinopril, methy- substituted (-alkylated) tryptamines, arylcyclohexy- sergide, metoprolol, nadolol, nortriptyline, paroxetine, lamines, andamantanes, diarylethylamines, morphina- pizotifen, pizotyline, propanolol, protriptyline, sertraline, ns, opioids, benzodiazepines, thienodiazepines, GHB, timolol, and verapamil. 35 GHB analogues, methaqualone, methaqualone ana- [0059] Where the drug is a drug for the treatment of logues, synthetic cannabinoids, harmaline, salvinorines, alcoholism, it may be selected from one of the following Salvinorin A, Salvinorin B, Salvinorin C, Salvinorin D, compounds: naloxone, naltrexone, and disulfiram. Salvinorin E, Salvinorin F, Salvinorin G, Salvinorin H, [0060] Where the drug is a drug suitable for the treat- Salvinorin I, 17α-Salvinorin J, 17β-Salvinorin J, pipera- ment of addiction, it may be buprenorphine. 40 zines, atropine derivatives, ibotenic acid, muscimol, psi- [0061] Where the drug is a muscle relaxant, it may be locybin, ketamin, ketamin derivatives, oxytocin, nootrop- selected from one of the following compounds: baclofen, ics, racteams, cocaine and cocaine analogues. cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine, quinine, and tizanidine. [0067] These aspects may be combined in an arbitrary [0062] Where the drug is a nonsteroidal anti-inflamma- manner. tory, it may be selected from one of the following com- 45 [0068] These and further details, advantages and fea- pounds: aceclofenac, alminoprofen, amfenac, aminopro- tures of the present invention will be described based on pylon, amixetrine, benoxaprofen, bromfenac, bufexam- embodiments of the invention and by taking reference to ac, carprofen, choline, salicylate, cinchophen, cinmet- the accompanying figures. acin, clopriac, clometacin, diclofenac, etodolac, indopro- fen, mazipredone, meclofenamate, piroxicam, pirprofen, 50 Figures 1 to 3 elucidate by means of schematic and tolfenamate. block diagrams preferred embodi- [0063] Where the drug is an opioid, it may be selected ments of the invention’s microwave from one of the following compounds: alfentanil, allylpro- heating unit. dine, alphaprodine, anileridine, benzylmorphine, bezitra- mide, buprenorphine, butorphanol, carbiphene, ciprama- 55 Figures 4 to 10C demonstrate details of preferred dol, clonitazene, codeine, dextromoramide, dextropro- embodiments of the invention’s mi- poxyphene, diamorphine, dihydrocodeine, diphenoxy- crowave heating unit and its details. late, dipipanone, fentanyl, hydromorphone, L-alpha

7 13 EP 3 747 289 A1 14

Figures 11 to 14 explain by means of cross-sectional dition to the embodiment shown in figure 1, the micro- side views other embodiments of wave radiation generating and/or the releasing unit 20 the invention’s microwave heating may be formed by a consecutive arrangement of a small unit and its details. or low power signal source 104 comprising the micro- 5 wave radiation source or microwave radiation signal [0069] In the following embodiments and the technical source 21, for instance again as a solid-state microwave background of the present invention are presented in de- (signal) source 100, and a transistor amplifier 103. tail by taking reference to accompanying figures1 to 14. [0078] In the embodiment shown in figure 3 and in ad- Identical or equivalent elements and elements which act dition to the embodiment shown in figure 2, the micro- identically or equivalently are denoted with the same ref- 10 wave radiation generating and/or the releasing unit 20 erence signs. Not in each case of their occurrence a de- comprises a feedback loop 106 connected between the tailed description of the elements and components is re- impedance matching unit 30 and its network 101 giving peated. input to an amplitude/phase correction device 105, with [0070] The depicted and described features and fur- the output of which being fed into the input port of the ther properties of the invention’s embodiments can arbi- 15 transistor amplifier 103. Therefore, in the embodiment trarily be isolated and recombined without leaving the shown in figure 3 the small/low power signal source 104 gist of the present invention. substituted by the feedback loop 106 and the ampli- [0071] Figures 1 to 3 elucidate by means of schematic tude/phase correction device 105. block diagrams preferred embodiments of the invention’s [0079] Figures 4 to 10C demonstrate details of pre- microwave heating unit 1. Each of the microwave heating 20 ferred embodiments of the invention’s microwave heat- units or devices 1 shown in any of figures 1 to 3 may be ing unit 1 and its details, each of which formed as an formed as an inhalation, vaporizer or smoking product inhalation, vaporizer and/or smoking product and/or de- and/or device 1’, in particular for medical and/or pulmo- vice 1’, in particular for medical and/or pulmonary drug nary drug delivery/inhalation functionalities. delivery/inhalation functionalities. [0072] The embodiment of the invention’s microwave 25 [0080] The invention’s sample holding and exposing heating device or unit 1 as shown in figure 1 is formed means 10 and the impedance matching unit 30 according by or comprises a microwave radiation generating and/or to these embodiments are formed by first and second releasing unit 20, which might also be referred to as a holding parts or holding portions 11 and 12 thereby de- microwave radiation signal generating and/or releasing fining a sample holder 13 for defining the holding and unit in the sense of the present invention. Preferably, a 30 exposing space 15 by means of a cavity 16. solid-state microwave source 100 may be used in this [0081] Essential aspects of the impedance matching regard as a microwave radiation source 20. unit 30 and its impedance matching network may be [0073] The thereby generated and/or provided micro- formed based on geometric and material aspects of the wave radiation field can be provided to a plant/pharma- slits or slit structure 14 and in dielectric 17 used in this ceutical containing compound/material 102 as a sample 35 regard. to be contained in a holding and exposing space 15, for [0082] The sample holding and exposing means 10 instance a cavity 16, formed by a sample holding and may be surrounded by a housing 18 also yielding as a exposing means 10, for instance based on first and sec- shield. ond holding parts or holding portions 11, 12. [0083] Figure 8B elucidates - by means of a cross-sec- [0074] This is preferably done by or in cooperation with 40 tional view along a plane B-B indicated in figure 8A - an impedance matching unit 30 configured for matching details of the E-field configuration of the underlying mi- the impedance between the provided microwave radia- crowave radiation field 25, namely in connection with the tion field and the sample holder 13 defining the holding sample holding and exposing means 10, the impedance and exposing space 15 and its cavity 16. matching unit 30 and its arrangement of the slit structure [0075] In this regard, impedance matching may be 45 14 and the dielectric material 17 and also in connection achieved by at least one electrical or electronic means, with the first and second holding parts/portions which geometrical means and/or material means. Electrical or may simultaneously serve as first and second electrodes electronic means refer to properties of the radiation and 53 and 54, respectively. its underlying generating and/or supplying process. Ge- [0084] As shown in figure 8A, the impedance matching ometrical means refer to positioning, geometry and/or 50 unit 30 in one preferred embodiment may comprise a orientation of certain physical items. Material means refer feeding portion of feeding point 31 by means of which to the positioning, geometry and/or orientation of certain microwave radiation may be introduced into the holding material items, for instance by using a dielectric material. and exposing space 15 and the cavity 16. In this regard [0076] In this regard an impedance matching network the first portion 30a and the second portion 30B of the 101 may be involved thereby realizing the impedance 55 sleeve component of the impedance matching unit 30 matching unit 30, the network 101 realizing one of the may have a length or dimension of about 1/8 λ to about electric/electronic geometric and/or material aspects. 1/5 λ and less than 1/10 λ, wherein λ denotes the wave- [0077] In the embodiment shown in figure 2 and in ad- length of the underlying microwave radiation.

8 15 EP 3 747 289 A1 16

[0085] Figures 11 to 14 explain by means of cross- unit, microwave radiation signal generating sectional side views other embodiments of the inven- and/or releasing unit tion’s microwave heating unit 1 and its details, each of 21 microwave radiation source, solid-state micro- which formed as an inhalation, vaporizer and/or smoking wave source, microwave radiation signal source, product and/or device 1’, in particular for medical and/or 5 solid-state microwave signal source pulmonary drug delivery/inhalation functionalities. 22 waveguide [0086] In each case of these embodiments, a power 23 connector source unit 40 may be used which comprises a DC power 25 microwave radiation field source 40, for instance a battery, which is capable of 26 microwave radiation field signal energizing the underlying microwave radiation generat- 10 30 impedance matching unit ing and/or releasing unit 20 with its microwave radiation 30a first portion of impedance matching unit 30 source 21 and its control unit or control electronics 50 30b second portion of impedance matching unit 30 based on which and by means of first and second power 31 feeding point for microwave radiation field 25 supply lines 51, 52 first and second electrodes 53 and 40 power source unit 54 are subjected to respective electric fields for generat- 15 41 DC power source, battery ing the required microwave radiation field 25 within the 50 control unit, electronics cavity 16 of the holding and exposing space 15 formed 51 1st power supply line in the sample holding and exposing means 10 of the sam- 52 2nd power supply line ple holder 13. 53 1st electrode [0087] By means of the microwave radiation field 25 20 54 2nd electrode the sample 2 with its sample material 102 - in the sense of a plant/pharmaceutical containing compound or ma- 100 solid-state microwave source, solid-state micro- terial - is heated in a fast, reliable and uniform manner wave signal source to thereby release an aerosol to be conveyed with an air 101 impedance matching network flow 111 entering an air flow channel 110 formed in the 25 102 sample material, plant/pharmaceutical contain- main body or housing 118 of the device 1’. ing compound/material [0088] The sample 2 and the sample material 102 may 103 transistor amplifier be designed in different forms. 104 small/low power signal source [0089] For instance, in the embodiments shown in fig- 105 amplitude/phase correction device ures 12 and 14 a capsule 3 is used formed by a more or 30 106 feedback loop/branch/line less stable wall which - upon usage - has to be penetrated 109 (free running) oscillator by means of needles 112 or any other penetration means 110 air flow channel contained and formed in the air flow channel 110 of the 111 air flow device 1’. 112 needle, penetration means [0090] As shown in figure 14, at least a part of the main 35 115 Filter body 118 or its housing 118 may be formed as a mouth- 118 main body, housing piece 119, optionally equipped with filter components 115 119 mouthpiece for interacting with the air flow 111 in the air flow channel 110. x spatial direction 40 y spatial direction List of reference signs z spatial direction

[0091] Claims 1 microwave heating device/unit 45 1’ inhalation, vaporizer and/or smoking product 1. Microwave heating unit (1) for heating an aerosol- and/or device forming sample (2) due to microwave absorption by 2 sample a material (102) of the sample (2) and in particular 10 sample holding and exposing means for thereby releasing by or from said sample (2) upon 11 1st holding part/holding portion 50 heating said sample (2) at least one aerosol, in par- 12 2nd holding part/holding portion ticular in a or as a inhalation, vaporizer and/or smok- 13 sample holder ing product or device (1’) and/or for pulmonary drug 14 slit, slit structure delivery, wherein the microwave heating unit (1) 15 holding and exposing space comprises: 16 cavity 55 17 dielectric material portion (i) a sample holding and exposing unit (10) con- 18 housing, shield figured to receive and hold a sample (2) in a 20 microwave radiation generating and/or releasing holding and exposing space (15) and to expose

9 17 EP 3 747 289 A1 18

the sample (2) to a microwave radiation field (25) - said microwave radiation unit (20) is or com- within said holding and exposing space (15), prises one or plural microwave radiation or ra- (ii) a microwave radiation unit (20) configured to diation signal sources (21) - in particular in the supply said microwave radiation field (25) and/or form of solid-state microwave or radiation signal an underlying microwave radiation signal (26) 5 sources - and/or a connecting configuration with to said holding and exposing space (15), and a connector (23) and/or a waveguide (22) for at least one of providing a connection to one or plural micro- (iii) an impedance matching unit (30) which is wave radiation sources (21) and configured to achieve impedance matching be- - said one or plural microwave radiation or radi- tween the holding and exposing space (15) and 10 ation signal sources (21) and solid-state micro- the signal (26) and/or the microwave radiation wave or radiation signal sources are configured field (25) and upon its energization to generate and/or release (iv) a free running oscillator (109) which is con- said underlying microwave radiation field (25) or figured to generate and supply said microwave the underlying signal (26). radiation field (25) and/or said underlying micro- 15 wave radiation signal (26). 6. Microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 5, comprising a power source unit (40) which is config- 2. Microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 1, ured to energize the underlying microwave radiation wherein said sample holding and exposing unit (10) unit (20) and in particular the one or plural microwave comprises a sample holder (13) defining and forming 20 radiation or radiation signal sources (21) and which said holding and exposing space (15) within an in- in particular comprises one or plural DC power sourc- terior, in particular as a cavity (16), by means of first es (41). and second holding portions (11, 12) and/or first and second holding portions separated by a slit structure 7. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of (40). 25 the preceding claims, wherein

3. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of - said microwave radiation unit (20) and in par- the preceding claims, wherein the impedance ticular a microwave radiation or radiation signal matching unit (30) and in particular an impedance source (21) thereof is or comprises a transistor matching network (101) thereof is tunable in its 30 amplifier (103) and/or matching properties concerning at least one of im- - said impedance matching unit (30) and in par- pedance, frequency and the aerosol-forming sample ticular an impedance matching network (101) (2). thereof comprises a microwave feedback port and/or a microwave signal feedback port which 4. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of 35 is connected to an input of the transistor ampli- the preceding claims, wherein the impedance fier (103) in order to meet an underlying oscilla- matching unit (30) and in particular an impedance tion condition. matching network (101) thereof comprises at least one of 8. Microwave heating unit (1) according to claim 7, 40 wherein an additional smart phase and/or an ampli- - electrodes (53, 54) for generating the micro- tude correction device (105) is or are connected in wave radiation field (25) upon receipt of an un- between the feedback port and the input of the tran- derlying microwave radiation signal (26), which sistor amplifier (103). geometrically fit to the aerosol-forming sample (2), holding and exposing space (15) and/or a 45 9. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of or the cavity (16) thereof, the preceding claims, wherein - an output which contains waveguide structures, transmission lines and/or stubs, - the microwave radiation unit (20) and in par- - 1/8 λ to 1/4 λ wave guide matching elements ticular a microwave radiation source (21) and/or and 50 a microwave radiation signal source (21) thereof - one or plural dielectric material portions (17), is or comprises a transistor amplifier (103) and in particular by means of which the impedance matching unit (30) - has an input that is connected to an output of is in particular tunable in its properties. a low power signal source (104) and/or 55 - the low power signal source (104) is or com- 5. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of prises at least one of a phased locked loop the preceding claims, wherein (PLL), a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a direct digital synthesis (DDS).

10 19 EP 3 747 289 A1 20

10. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of sample of a smoking sample, in particular the preceding claims, which is configured in order to of a nicotine and/or non-nicotine containing at least one of smoking sample, - an aerosol-forming substrate with or of a - process an aerosol-forming sample (2) which 5 nicotine and/or non-nicotine containing liq- is formed as or comprises at least one of a liquid uid, substance, a solid substance, a medical canna- - an aerosol-forming active pharmaceutical bis containing substance, a nicotine containing ingredient, substance, a phyto-active substance, botanical - an aerosol-forming phyto-active sub- drug substance, a pharmaceutical active sub- 10 stance and in particular from raw plant ma- stance and a tobacco substance, terial and/or from a plant material, - release said at least one aerosol comprising - an aerosol-forming delta-9-Tetrahydroca- at least one of a phyto-active substance, botan- nabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) ical drug substance and a pharmaceutical active and/or cannabinoids containing plant mate- ingredient. 15 rial, - an aerosol-forming botanical drug sub- 11. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of stance and/or a botanical drug product, the preceding claims, which is formed in or as at least - an aerosol-forming substrate (102) having one of a drug delivery product and/or device, an in- at least one of microwave sensitizers and/or halation product or device (1’), smoking product or 20 absorbers of the group of substances which device (1’), a mobile product or device (1’) and/or a comprises functionalized polysilsesquiox- portable product or device (1’). anes, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, activated carbon, activated charcoal, 12. Microwave heating unit (1) according to any one of metal powder, semiconductor powder and the preceding claims, wherein said free running os- 25 combinations and mixtures thereof, cillator (109) at least one of is or are used and/or heated as said sample (2) - is connected to the sample holding and expos- or as a part thereof. ing unit (10) or is a part thereof, - is, comprises and/or realizes an IQ modulator 30 14. Microwave heating method according to claim 13, and/or the functionality of an IQ modulator which wherein a temperature of the aerosol-forming sam- in particular means the ability of controlling the ple (2) is measured or/and approximated and a value phase and/or the gain and of which is fed to a temperature control loop unit con- - comprises within a feedback loop (106) a or trolling power supplied for energizing a microwave the transistor amplifier (103), an or the imped- 35 generation and/or releasing process. ance matching unit (30) and/or impedance matching network (101) and a or the ampli- 15. Microwave heating method according to any one of tude/phase correction device (105). claims 13 and 14, wherein:

13. Microwave and/or RF heating method for heating an 40 - an operation frequency is in the range from aerosol-forming sample (2) due to microwave ab- about 1 MHz to about 15 GHz, preferably in an sorption by a material (102) of said sample (2) and ISM band and/or in a range of about 2.4 GHz to in particular for thereby releasing by or from said about 2.5 GHz and/or with a center frequency sample (2) upon heating said sample (2) at least one of about 2.45 GHz, aerosol, the at least one aerosol comprising at least 45 - an operation power in continuous mode is in a one of a phyto-active substance and a pharmaceu- range from about 0.1 mW to 50 Watt and pref- tical active ingredient, erably around about 2 W, - an operation power in a pulsed mode is in a - wherein a microwave heating unit (1) according range from about 0.1 mW to about 50 W and to any one of the preceding claims is used for 50 preferably around about 3 W, heating said sample (2) and - an operation power is ramped up between a - wherein in particular at least one of value of about 0.1 W and a value of about 30 W, and/or - an aerosol-forming substrate (102) of a - an operation frequency is set to a constant val- smoking article, in particular of a nicotine 55 ue, and/or non-nicotine containing smoking ar- - an operation frequency is varied with time and ticle, in particular swept between a minimum value - a tobacco-loaded solid-aerosol forming and the maximum value, in particular between

11 21 EP 3 747 289 A1 22

about 2.4 GHz and about 2.5 GHz.

16. Microwave heating method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein an aerosol-forming sample (2) is used which at least one of 5

- is formed as, comprises, is contained inside and/or is packed inside at least one of a fluid material, a solid material, a tablet, capsule, cartridge, shell vial, pellet and/or can be fitted ac- 10 cording to the size of an underlying cavity (16) and/or pharmaceutical excipients are added to the aerosol-forming sample (2), - is or forms a vessel and/or has a housing, wherein the housing in particular is transparent 15 with respect to microwave radiation, comprises or is formed of plastic, synthetic material, poly- propylene, glass, quartz and/or has a comparable low dielectric loss factor (ε") and/or a comparable low loss tangent (tan(δ)), and 20 - is contained in a vessel formed as a mouthpiece (119) which is configured for allowing inhalation of the formed aerosol, as an integral piece, as a disposal and/or to comprise a filter (115), in particular with the low or very low par- 25 ticulate filtration efficiency, and/or a hollow tube.

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