Measurement of Radiation Emission Due to Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Sterilization

The field of Atmospheric-pressure plasmas has been the focus of many researchers and scientists in the past decade. These specific types of systems are favored because of the few requirements needed for its functioning. Plasmas’ use as a sterilizer is being rapidly explored. Thus, in this process it has become necessary to understand the effect of UV radiation produced during the plasma discharge. It is certain that Atmospheric plasmas’ sterilization levels are higher than to other cleansing methods, such as antibacterial solutions. Nevertheless, the reaction of the plasma creates residual components which could make the plasma’s use to be considered harmful, such as the radiation emitted by the atmospheric plasma, the amount of ozone being discharged, and other particles like nitrogen. The goal for our project was to measure the levels of ultraviolet radiation, UV, the atmosphericpressure plasmas create. Then the data obtained was to be analyzed and compared with the safety standards of the UV radiation individuals can be exposed to without being considered harmful health wise. Our method essentially consists of an indirect Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, in which the contaminant does not come in direct contact with the plasma.