Theoretical modeling and experimental results of a low pressure microwave UV lamp for biological applications

Summary form only given, as follows. There is currently increasing interest in the development of new discharge lamps for the production of ultraviolet (UV)/ozone radiation for sterilization purposes. It is desired to have improved sterilization methods for food, to obtain longer shelf life, and also for the removal of bacteria from water. The most common form of UV lamp technology is based upon an electrode discharge within a noble low-pressure gas. The microwave plasma lamp technology has no limitations in terms of power and shape of the lamp in contrast with the electrode configuration in which the power is constrained lengthwise. Moreover, since the lamp is produced with no other materials fused in it and it has no ballast, it can be theoretically indestructible and safe to use. The microwave lamp is able to produce ultraviolet light at 254 nm, the germicidal region, and 185mn, the ozone forming region, simultaneously. The paper investigates the modeling parameters for the discharges in mercury and argon gas as well as the cost-effective methods of producing an industrial system that can deliver both germicidal UV radiation and ozone. Various aspects of the system apparatus and experimental results including the bacteria killing rates will be presented.