Sterilization and decontamination of surfaces using atmospheric pressure plasma discharges

Summary form only given. The goal of the program is to demonstrate that an atmospheric pressure plasma discharge can rapidly and effectively sterilize or decontaminate surfaces that are contaminated with model biological and chemical warfare agents. The plasma is produced by corona discharge from an array of pins and a ground plane. The array is constructed so that various gases, like argon or helium, can be flowed past the pins where the discharge is initiated. The pin array can be biased using either DC, AC or pulsed discharges. The work done to date has focused on the sterilization of aluminum, polished steel and tantalum foil metal coupons. About 2 cm on a side and 2 mm thick, which have been innoculated with up to 10/sup 6/ spores per coupon of Bacillus subtilis var niger or Bacillus stearothermophilus.