Abstract: A microwave spectrometer includes a sensing chamber into which is introduced a gas or constituent to be analyzed. Microwave radiation is introduced into the chamber and any of the chamber resonant frequency, the microwave frequency, and the center frequency of the absorption peak are varied independently. The resultant variation in intensity of the microwave radiation in the chamber is monitored to determine the concentration of the gas within said chamber. The spectrometer may include a frequency measuring and reference system for measuring the resonant frequency of the chamber.

Abstract: A steriliser apparatus includes a chamber in which an article or material to be sterilised is placed and a sterilising gas or vapour is then introduced into the chamber to contact and sterilise the article or material. The free sterilant gas or vapour in the chamber is removed and the article or material subjected to a desorbing step during which the concentration of sterilising gas or vapour in the chamber is measured by a sampling device in which a sample of chamber atmosphere is exposed to microwave radiation and the absorption spectrum monitored to determine the concentration of sterilising gas or vapour present in the chamber.

Abstract: Sterilizing apparatus and method of sterilizing and/or desorbing gas from articles, in which a fluid-tight chamber 10 has an access opening and a closure therefor. A fluidtight seal 13 is provided for the closure. An injector unit 25 introduces a sterilizing gas or vapor into the chamber. Apparatus 23, 29 extracts the gas or vapor when required, and radiation generators 32-34 generate or radiate high frequency electromagnetic radiation in or into the chamber 10. A radiation trap or seal 9 limits or prevents unwanted escape of or discharge of the radiated energy.