A small device for the rapid ultrahigh temperature sterilization of su
rfaces is described. Microwave power generated by a 2.45 GHz magnetron
is delivered via coaxial cable to a silicon carbide block housed with
in the chamber, Small quantities of water or aqueous hydrogen peroxide
. are introduced into the chamber. Upon application of power, the liqu
id flashes to vapor and superheats producing temperatures to 300 degre
es C. The hot vapor permeates the enclosed space and contacts all expo
sed surfaces. Complete microbial kill of > 10(6) colony forming units
of the spore forming thermophile, Bacillus stearothermophilus, has bee
n demonstrated using a variety of temperatures and exposure times in b
oth steady state and thermal pulse modes of operation. (C) 1997 Americ
an Institute of Physics.