Microwave Atomization
This schematic diagram represents a simplified version of a microwave sterilization system in which the airstream is sandwiched between the dielectric surfaces. Alternatively, the airstream could be routed through a large microwave cavity. The energy efficiency of the microwave system outlined above would likely be unsurpassed, as essentially only the energy imparted to polar molecules in the airstream would be converted.
Microwaves consist of mutually perpendicular electrical waves and magnetic waves, as depicted in the diagram at the right. Each of these components has an effect on the water molecules and other organic molecules which make up the bacterial cell or viral structure. The water molecules will rotate at or near the microwave frequency, and this energy translates into linear motion. Linear motion of gas or liquid defines heat, and this thermal activity ultimately disrupts the cell and viral structures.
Microwaves have been demonstrated to have biocidal effects due to the heating they induce, and are used to sterilize equipment. Normally this requires extended exposure times, but with a boost in power the exposure times could theoretically be reduced. In addition, there exists a phenomenon called the microwave effect which appears to destroy viruses for reasons other than heating.The system depicted above would be optimized to take advantage of the Microwave Effect. For more extensive information on microwaves and the microwave effect see the section titled DNA and the Microwave Effect.
Of related interest is microwave induced resonance.The first three harmonic modes of DNA have been shown to be excitable in the range of 2.5 - 20 Ghz by Davis et al. A sufficient power level could disrupt the molecule altogether. Vibrational and rotational resonance has been demonstrated at much lower frequencies by various researchers for both RNA & DNA. The specific frequencies and power levels necessary to dissociate virus nucleic acids remain to be determined.