Portable Robust Low Power Enhanced Plasma Decontamination System

The release of biological or chemical agents poses a serious threat to both civilian and military assets. Recent events highlight the growing need for immediate decontamination of affected equipment in the presence of harmful spores, bacteria, and viruses. Effective decontamination of electronics and sensitive equipment is a recognized challenge. Nonthermal or cold plasma based technologies offer access to unique chemistry that is typically only available at high temperature. Nevertheless, engineering plasma based decontamination methods into practical solutions is a challenge. Super Pulse will leverage a novel nonthermal plasma technology with hydrogen peroxide additives to build a handheld portable disinfection device that can treat sensitive items including electronics. The technology is able to deliver a sterilizing effluent at room temperature and pressure that is highly effective in deactivating pathogens yet is not abrasive to materials. The battery operated portable device will have a cycle time of ten minutes or less. The developed device will allow for combat operations to quickly resume in cases of outbreak or biological attack and will also allow civilian services to effectively control the spread of infections.