Sterilization of Medical Equipment Using Air Torch Plasma Produced by Microwave Discharge

摘要

Sterilization of non-heat-proof equipment was performed by irradiation from air torch plasma produced by a microwave discharge. The downstream region of the torch plasma exhibits a yellowish color. Light emission spectra and chemical indicators show that nitrogen oxide radicals are the origin of this color. Inactivation of spore-type Geobacillus stearothermophilus with a population of $10^{5}$ was successful for a treatment period of 10 min.