Abstract: The invention concerns a method of sterilization and/or inactivation of at least one surface of at least one contaminated object. The method being characterized in that one subjects the surface to the discharge plasma generated from an applicator of electromagnetic field of linear type, the plasma having a temperature and an absorbed power per unit of volume predetermined by the operating conditions, so as to sterilize the surface without significantly degrading it. The invention also concerns a device enabling the sterilization and/or inactivation of at least one surface of at least one contaminated object by means of a plasma. This method and this device can be used to sterilize or inactivate several types of objects, such as packages, films, metal plates, dielectric plates, prosthesis used in the medical field, etc.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of sterilization and/or inactivation of at least one surface of at least one contaminated object. The method being characterized in that one subjects the surface to the discharge plasma generated from an applicator of electromagnetic field of linear type, the plasma having a temperature and an absorbed power per unit of volume predetermined by the operating conditions, so as to sterilize the surface without significantly degrading it. The invention also concerns a device enabling the sterilization and/or inactivation of at least one surface of at least one contaminated object by means of a plasma. This method and this device can be used to sterilize or inactivate several types of objects, such as packages, films, metal plates, dielectric plates, prosthesis used in the medical field, etc.

Abstract: There is provided a process for sterilizing a dielectric contaminated object having at least one hollow part. The process comprises (a) producing a plasma by submitting a gas or a mixture of gases to an electromagnetic field; (b) treating the exterior of the object by means of an after-glow of the plasma; and (c) treating the at least one hollow part of the object by means of a discharge of the plasma, the discharge being produced inside the at least one hollow part. Step (c) is carried out before or after step (b). This process is particularly useful for sterilizing various medical or dental instruments. There is also provided a device for carrying such a process.