UV/X-Ray Bio-Decontamination

The threat of biological warfare has mandated the need for decontamination methodologies for the military and civilian sectors. Use of chemical agents for decontamination is unfavorable due to their residual nature and potential toxicity to humans and the environment. Both ultraviolet (UV) and x-ray sources have been used individually for bio-decontamination. Currently, there is no combined UV / x-ray source available for use either for bio-decontamintion or any other application. Recent advances in nanoparticle technology have produced nanophosphors which produce, with electron beam excitation, bright emissions in the UV energy range. Likewise, a highly efficient, compact and unique x-ray source has been developed having a flux output two orders of magnitude greater than standard, off-the-shelf x-ray tubes. The goal here is to use this exceedingly bright x-ray source to excite the novel nanophosphors to produce UV emissions, simultaneously resulting in intense UV and x-ray energies. Such a combined and compact UV / x-ray source will be portable and have major advantages for biological decontamination for both military and civilian applications.