- Published
- 03 May 2021
- Journal article
A Remote Microwave Thermal Sterilization Approach for the Coronavirus and Other Pathogens by Wireless Power Transmission
- Authors
- Source
- IEEE Journal of Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology
Abstract
This work describes a proof-of-concept innovative surface sterilization approach using remote microwave heating. The method requires a thin water layer to be applied on the target (i.e., an infected surface). An antenna array then radiates power on the target, raising its physical temperature; this leads to thermal sterilization of the infected surface. In the proposed microwave system, the power is transmitted by a 4×1 microstrip Yagi array operating at2.4 GHz, however, other antenna arrays and beam-steering systems are also applicable. By varying the distance and the incident angle between the array and the infected surface, theoretical and simulated results demonstrate that the sterilization process requires only a few minutes. This timely sanitization has many benefits in that an operator need not touch any infected surfaces and that the process can be totally automated. A simple experimental system constituted by a single-element antenna is tested and compared with theoretical results. The proposed remote sterilization approach also follows wireless power transmission techniques, abides by safe transmitter power levels, and could be applicable in battles against pathogens and, among others, the new coronavirus which causes COVID-19.
Cite as
Kossenas, K., Comite, D., Daskalakis, S., Podilchak, S., Hilario Re, P., Goussetis, G., Pavuluri, S., Griffiths, S., Chadwick, R., Guo, C., Burns, N., Tait-Burkard, C., Haas, J. & Desmulliez, M. 2021, 'A Remote Microwave Thermal Sterilization Approach for the Coronavirus and Other Pathogens by Wireless Power Transmission', IEEE Journal of Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology, 6(1), pp. 41-51. https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/publications/1748eeed-49e0-4f91-b0fe-eae21ddd7988