Portable E-beam Pumped UV/X-ray Bio-Decontamination System

The malicious distribution of Bacillus anthracis spores through the U.S. Postal Service in the fall of 2001 demonstrated the vulnerability of the United States to biological threats. These events showed the need for improved decontamination methods for buildings and assets exposed to various biological agents, because the current methods rely on the application of a chlorine- or formaldehyde-based liquid and are toxic, corrosive, and harmful to papers, books, and sensitive equipment such as landing gear, brake assemblies, and aircraft interiors. The combination of a high-intensity 250-280 nm ultraviolet (UV-C) emitter and an x-ray radiation source within a single package would offer a clean, non-toxic, and non-corrosive alternative for the surface and subsurface multi-BW agent decontamination of buildings and equipment. Electron-beam pumping provides an efficient method to drive both types of emission. Astralux, Inc. is developing an electron-beam pumped semiconductor UV source technology, which when combined with suitable metal structures, will result in a UV/X-ray bio-decontamination unit that does not suffer from the shortcomings mentioned above. This UV/X-ray bio-decontamination device should prove useful in a wide range of settings requiring disinfection. These applications include mail disinfection, air and water purification, and medical sterilization.