nonthermal
Not temperature-based
Nonthermal describes processes, effects, or energy that don't involve or depend on heat.
In physics and engineering, nonthermal radiation or plasma operates through mechanisms other than temperature—electromagnetic fields, for instance.
Nonthermal sterilization uses UV light rather than heat to kill bacteria.
The term distinguishes cold or non-heat-based methods from conventional thermal ones.
Radiation-based kitchen heater
- radio wavesLow-frequency electromagnetic radiation
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- photonsDiscrete packets of radiance
electromagnetic · spectroscopy · remote sensing · cosmic rays · radiofrequency · transmission · wavelength · emission
Charge acquisition process
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
- plasma torchIonized gas cutting device
Circular charged-particle accelerator
- cosmic raysEnergetic particles from beyond
- pulsarsRotating stars emitting radiation
- quasarsExtremely luminous galactic centers
- jetsPressurized fluid streams
Thermal pathogen elimination process
- food preservationProtecting edibles from rot
- irradiationExposure to radiant energy
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- shelf lifeUsable storage duration
microwave
Radiation-based kitchen heater
- radio wavesLow-frequency electromagnetic radiation
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
photons · electromagnetic · spectroscopy · remote sensing · cosmic rays · radiofrequency · transmission · wavelength · emission · absorption
ionization
Charge acquisition process
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
synchrotron
Circular charged-particle accelerator
- cosmic raysEnergetic particles from beyond
- pulsarsRotating stars emitting radiation
- quasarsExtremely luminous galactic centers
jets · magnetars · high-energy
pasteurization
Thermal pathogen elimination process
- food preservationProtecting edibles from rot
- irradiationExposure to radiant energy
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
nonthermalthermal
Pertaining to warmth
conductive · convective · heat-treated · melting · pyrolytic
thermal, thermos, thermostat, thermometer, hypothermia, geothermal, therm, thermally, exothermic