Dense Gas Discharge With Runaway Electrons as a New Plasma Source for Surface Modification and Treatment

Experimental results on runaway electron generation with an energy of 20-350 keV at nanosecond discharge in air under normal conditions are presented. Physical conditions are specified for the efficient generation of runaway electrons in dense gas using this type of discharge. A subrelativistic electron beam is obtained in air under normal conditions with an output aperture of 4times33 cm² and a current amplitude of 2 kA. Experimental results on atmospheric discharge with runaway electrons (ADRE) application for bacteria decontamination on the surface of solid states including the inside of tight polymeric packings are described. Essentially, a higher surface sterilization capacity by the ADRE (with energy up to 300 keV and current amplitude up to 700 A) in comparison with other types of discharges is obtained. The basic biophysical mechanisms determining the ADRE sterilization futures are discussed