An improved singlet oxygen generator (SOG) and method of using gas phase
electronically excited states of oxygen for bio-medical and chemical
treatment applications are disclosed. According to the invention, both
gas phase O.sub.2(.sup.1.SIGMA.) and O.sub.2(.sup.1.DELTA.) are used for
medical treatment, sterilization, and deactivation of biological and
chemical agents, including diseased tissue and biological and chemical
weapons. The improved SOG is compact and scalable, portable, capable of
operating in a zero-gravity or low gravity environment, may use gaseous
diluent or buffer gas, and is capable of operating at pressures as high
as one atmosphere. The SOG is capable of operating within a short
distance of the target site for the electronically excited states of
oxygen, which are delivered to the target site via a conduit. The SOG and
delivery system provide higher yields of electronically excited oxygen
with longer lifetimes suitable for bio-medical applications.