Electron-Cyclotron-Resonance, Vacuum-Ultraviolet Light Source Spire Corporation Bedford MA

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Electron-Cyclotron-Resonance, Vacuum-Ultraviolet
Light SourceSpire CorporationBedford MA
Small Business Innovation Research
INNOVATION Radiation source based on resonant
heating of electrons in magnetically-confined
plasma. Light output covers a wide wavelength
range from visible to VUV. Source could provide
intense, stable radiation for instrumentation
calibration and UV degradation studies on large
samples.
graphic

• ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Demonstrated stable, reproducible VUV output at
  wavelengths shorter than 30 nanometers.
• Increased VUV output with modified microwave and
  magnetic field configuration.
• Designed higher frequency, higher field VUV
  source.
• COMMERCIALIZATION
• ECR plasma equipment and technology were adapted
  to treat internal and external surfaces of
  polymer tubing, especially for medical
  applications. (See graphic of ECR plasma inside 4
  mm ID silicone rubber tube.)
• Patent application has been filed for ECR plasma
  treatment of polymer tubing.
• Spire plans to commercialize ECR plasma
  treatments for medical devices.

• GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS
• Many potential NASA and Government applications
  for ECR plasma treatment of polymers, glass, and
  ceramics. E.g., biological and medical research,
  bioactive coatings, low-temperature
  sterilization.
• Spire Corporation has received Phase I and Phase
  II SBIR grants from National Science Foundation
  to develop ECR plasma treatments for bioactive
  coatings on internal and external surfaces of
  polymer tubing such as catheters.

Goddard Space Flight Center
Points of Contact NASA Ray Boucarut (301)
286-4251 Spire - Ward Halverson [phone]
1992 Phase II, SS-5-074, 1/03