Webb, S.J.Booth, A.D.2024-05-142024-05-141968-10October 19https://hdl.handle.net/10388/15678This thesis describes the construction of microwave spectrometers with a frequency range of 10 percent in the 4mm. and 2mm. regions. Rotational absorption lines were observed in carbonyl sulfide, formaldehyde and chloroform. Variations-in line width were observed with changes in temperature and pressure. Changes in absorption intensity were observed for changes in temperature, pressure, microwave power, microwave frequency and absorbing material. The rate of proliferation of the bacterial cells Escherichia coli was observed during irradiation with various microwave frequencies. An interaction was observed between the microwave field and the cell materials and this interaction appeared to be frequency dependent.Thesis