No, microwaves cannot travel through coaxial cables in the same way they propagate through free space. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies typically ranging from 300 MHz to 300 GHz, and they travel through the atmosphere or space as electromagnetic radiation.
Coaxial cables, on the other hand, are specifically designed to transmit electrical signals, including radio frequency (RF) signals, at lower frequencies over a physical transmission line. They consist of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating dielectric material and an outer conductor (shield) that provides electromagnetic isolation and protection.
Coaxial cables are commonly used for a variety of applications, including transmitting radio and TV signals, Ethernet data, and other lower-frequency electrical signals. The design and construction of coaxial cables make them suitable for carrying signals in a controlled and protected environment.
To transmit microwaves over long distances, waveguides are typically used instead of coaxial cables. Waveguides are hollow metal tubes designed to guide and contain electromagnetic waves, including microwaves, within their structure. They provide low loss and higher power handling capabilities compared to coaxial cables for microwave applications.
In summary, microwaves cannot travel through coaxial cables as they do through free space. Coaxial cables are designed for lower-frequency signals and are not suitable for guiding and containing microwaves. For transmitting microwaves, waveguides or other specialized transmission systems are used.