Nichtthermisches

Nichtthermisches refers to processes or effects that do not involve heat as their primary cause or mechanism. In scientific contexts, this term is often used to distinguish phenomena from those driven by thermal energy. For example, non-thermal plasma is a state of matter where the electrons are at a much higher temperature than the ions and neutral particles, leading to chemical reactions without significant heating of the bulk material. Similarly, non-thermal processing in food science uses methods like high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, or irradiation to preserve food and inactivate microorganisms without raising the temperature substantially. This approach helps to maintain the nutritional value and sensory qualities of food products that might be degraded by conventional heat treatments. In medicine, non-thermal effects can refer to biological responses to electromagnetic fields or ultrasound that are not a result of tissue heating. Understanding the distinction between thermal and non-thermal processes is crucial for developing efficient and effective technologies across various scientific and industrial fields.