DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A PORTABLE ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE ARGON PLASMA JET FOR STERILIZATION

Abstract

In this study, we would like to develop a portable round argon atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) which can be applied for general use of bacteria inactivation. The APPJ was characterized electrically and optically, which include measurements of absorption power, gas temperature and optical properties of plasma generated species. Measured OH* number density at 5 mm downstream was estimated to be 5.8 x 10(15) cm(3) and the electron density and electron temperature were estimated to be 2.4 x 10(15) cm(-3) and 0.34 eV, respectively, in the discharge region. This APPJ was demonstrated to effectively inactivate E. coli within seconds of treatment, which shows its great potential in the future use of general bacteria inactivation and sterilization.