An apparatus for applying a field of microwave energy for the processing of an absorbent article is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongate chamber having a longitudinal axis and first and second circularly polarized microwave radiation transmitting device radiatingly coupled to the elongate chamber and oriented so that the microwave energy is transmitted from the first and second circularly polarized microwave radiation transmitting devices is directed toward the longitudinal axis. The elongate chamber has a surface distributed about the longitudinal axis, a proximal end providing ingress for the absorbent article into the elongate chamber, and a distal end providing egress of the absorbent article from the elongate chamber. The second circularly polarized microwave radiation transmitting device is coupled to the elongate chamber at a position relative to the longitudinal axis that ranges from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to the position of the first circularly polarized microwave radiation transmitting device.
