Operators Manual
Copyright 2005 SciCan. All rights reserved. Rev 1. SD-209-E 2C 7/050

www.scican.com

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.2 2. Important Information.3 3. Installation.4 4. Instructions For Use.6 5. Additional Operations. 10 6. Essential Information.12 7. Maintenance.13 8. Troubleshooting.15 9. Recovery Sequence.17 10. Additional Information.19 11.Warranty.21 12. Printer Instructions.22 13. Specifications.24 14. Cycle Profiles.26 15. Water Quality.29 16. Loading The Autoclave.30
Quantim is a trademark of SciCan, Division of Lux and Zwingenberger Ltd.
SciCan Medtech Alpenstrasse 16, 6300 Zug SWITZERLAND Phone: (41-41) 727-70-27 Fax: (41-41) 727-70-29
EU Representatitive: BHT Hygienetechnik GmbH Messerschmittstr. 11 D-86368 Gersthofen GERMANY

SciCan

1440 Don Mills Road, Toronto ON M3B 3P9 CANADA Phone: (416) 445-1600 Fax: (416) 445-2727 Toll free: 1-800-667-7733
E-mail: customer_servicecanada@scican.com or techservice.ca@scican.com

Page 1

1. Introduction
Congratulations on your selection of the Quantim B2 Autoclave. The unit is fitted with sophisticated control software and will automatically adjust the cycle time dependent on the mass of load used. This will ensure the optimum sterilizing and drying conditions for all loads. All Type B vacuum cycles use the triple pulse fractionated vacuum system. Non-vacuum cycles use the thermodynamic air displacement system. Vacuum Drying cycles employ a closed door system. Non-vacuum machines employ a door open system. An Auto-cycle start option is included which allows the user to programme the time of day at which the selected cycle should start. Product contents comprise the following: 1. Autoclave with internal furniture. 2.Operators Manual and warranty card. 3. Performance Test Certificate and Certificate of Conformance for pressure vessel. 4. Waste water Bottle. 5. Printer (if applicable) Type B2 units will also contain a Bowie Dick Test Pack. When you receive your Quantim B2 Autoclave ensure that you complete and return your Warranty Registration Card. Quantim B2 autoclaves have been qualified to sterilize instruments, utensils and other items as defined by the European Standard EN13060. The autoclaves operate automatically with 134C and 121C sterilizing temperatures (with or without drying). Refer to the instrument manufacturer to ensure the instruments suitability for autoclaving and the maximum temperature they can withstand. A responsible person must qualify other loads as suitable. Refer to Additional Information. Maximum unpouched load per instrument tray is 2 kg. All instruments must be cleaned appropriately prior to sterilizing. Wrapped or pouched loads should not touch adjacent loads. Pouches must be used for one item only. When placing items on a tray or pouch tray, ensure they are placed on the raised ribs (to aid drainage), that they do not touch each other and that the load does not touch other trays or the chamber in any way. Always use the lifting device when removing trays or pouch trays from the autoclave as they may be hot. Long trays should be supported at their rear as they become free of the tray carrier. Do not use an unprotected hand to hold hot trays.

Page 2

2. Important Information
2.1 Operating Symbols, Displays, and Controls
The following symbols throughout this book indicate:
A potential hazard to the operator.
A situation that may lead to mechanical failure.

Important Information

2.2 Quantim Control Panel
The function is selected when the LED adjacent to the button is illuminated.
Standby / Ready Button Time / Date / Cycle Counter Display Time / Date / Cycle Counter

Temperature Display

Adjust Time / Date Settings Buttons

Pressure Display

Cycle Status Display Vacuum Cycle Button 1. Cycle started. 2. Heating and air bleed 3. Sterilizing. 4. Depressurisation / drying 5. Cycle complete.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Non-Vacuum Cycles Button
Additional Drying Time Cycle Start Button

Door Open Button

Page 3

3. Installation

Please take time to read these instructions before using the autoclave. It is essential that the operator is correctly trained and a Responsible Person has been assigned for the management of the autoclave. By following these simple step-by-step instructions you can ensure your instruments are correctly sterilized every time. To safely install the unit, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Leveling

Ensure the unit is placed on a strong, flat, level and heat resistant surface. Use caution as the unit is heavy! To check if the unit is level, pour half a cup of water into the chamber. The water should flow towards the rear of the chamber, not out of the front.
Step 2. Electrical Connection.
Plug the unit into the mains outlet socket of the correct type and rating. See the electrical rating plate at the back of the unit. After a few seconds , the Standby / Ready button will illuminate and the internal heater will begin operating to control the internal temperature. Use caution and ensure the mains outlet is properly grounded. The mains plug should always be accessible to disconnect the unit if necessary
Step 3. Single Use Water System
The unit has a single use water system designed to prevent the recycling of any contaminants, which may be present on the instruments being sterilized. Ensure the waste water container is checked regularly to prevent overflowing. The container should be emptied when the waste water level reaches the Max line. To empty the container, undo the screw cap and carefully remove the steam-condensing coil, which passes through the cap. Place on a heat resistant surface and empty. Use the carry handle to support the container when emptying. (Continued on next page.)

Page 4

3. Installation (contd)
Replace the steam-condensing coil and cap; ensuring it is screwed on securely. Before using for the first time and after emptying, always add cold (tap) water until the level reaches the minimum level mark. The waste water container can be located in any convenient place provided it is at a lower height than the autoclave, although care should be taken that it cannot be knocked over. Wastewater and steam condensing coil may be hot. Care should be taken at all times.
Step 4. Setting the Date and Time
To set the date and time follow these steps: Date and time are set in the following sequence: (note: the 24 hr clock is used) 1. Put the unit in the Ready Mode by pressing the Standby/Ready button. (The LED next to the button will then go out.) 2. Press and hold the Select Time / Date / Cycle Counter button for 5 seconds. 3. Set year (tens) by pressing the upper and lower Adjust Time / Date Settings buttons. Then press the Vacuum Cycle button to accept. 4. Set year (hundreds); Month; Day; Minutes; hours; by pressing the upper and lower Adjust Time / Date Settings buttons. Then press the Vacuum Cycle button to accept. 5. The unit returns to Ready Mode when the hours are accepted.

Cycle Icon

Cycle Type

Vacuum Cycle

Time / Temp.

134C / 3.5 minutes

Cycle Load
For porous loads, wrapped, pouched, solid / hollow instruments with drying. For porous loads, wrapped, pouched, solid / hollow instruments with drying. For bagged solid instrumentsdry cycle NOT included. Additional drying for a minimum of 15 minutes must be added by end-user. For hollow, unwrapped loads, without drying, for immediate use only.

134C / 18 minutes

Non-Vacuum Cycle
Also for use as a steam penetration test (without the presence of instruments). Suitable for Bowie Dick Test pack or Helix. Unwrapped solid instruments, without drying.

Non- Vacuum

121C / 15.5 minutes
For unwrapped solid instruments, without drying.l

Page 7

4.5 Selecting Additional Drying Time
If you wish to have additional drying time for the cycles you have selected, press the Additional Drying Time button. This option can be selected either before or after a cycle. The Additional Drying Time button
Additional drying is inactive for the Steam Penetration Test cycle (TP). Drying on this cycle can only be obtained after the cycle has ended by selecting additional drying as described below. 4.5.1 To select additional drying time BEFORE starting a sterilization cycle. 1. Press the Additional Drying Time button once. The first light in the Cycle Status Display will illuminate to indicate 5 additional minutes. 2. Press the Additional Drying Time button a second time. The first and second lights in the Cycle Status Display will illuminate to indicate 10 additional minutes. 3. Press the Additional Drying Time button a third time. The first, second, and third lights in the Cycle Status Display will illuminate to indicate 15 additional minutes. 4. Press the Additional Drying Time button a fourth time. This cancels additional drying. 5. Select, and then start the chosen sterilization cycle.( See the following section for information regarding starting the sterilization cycles.) 4.5.2 To select additional drying time AFTER a sterilization cycle has completed. 1. With the door closed, press and hold the Additional Drying Time button for 10seconds. The fourth light in the Cycle Status Display will flash to indicate 5 minute drying in progress. 2. Press the Additional Drying Time button once. The first light in the Cycle Status Display will illuminate to indicate 5 additional minutes. Now press and hold the Additional Drying Time button for 10 seconds. The first and second lights in the Cycle Status Display will now illuminated. Then the fourth light in the Cycle Status Display will flash to indicate 10 minute drying in progress. 3. Press the Additional Drying Time button twice. The first and second Cycle Status Display lights will illuminate to indicate 10 additional minutes selected. Now press and hold the Additional Drying Time button for 10 seconds. The first, second, and third Cycle Status Display lights will illuminate. The fourth Cycle Status Display light will now flash to indicate 15minute drying minutes have been selected.

Page 8

4.6 Running A Cycle
1. Once a sterilization cycle has been selected, press the Cycle Start button to start a fully automatic cycle. The Cycle Start button 2. After the Cycle Start button has been pressed, the Cycle Status Display will show the stages of the cycle.

Cycle Status Display

1. Cycle Started

3. Sterilizing

5. Cycle Complete
2. Heating & Air Bleed
4. Depressurizing & Drying

4.7 Opening The Door

At the end of a cycle a buzzer sounds 3 times. To open the door, press the Door Open button and this will allow access to the load.

Page 9

5. Additional Operations
5.1 Steam Penetration Test
On vacuum units the Steam Penetration Test should be performed daily to confirm that the unit is operating correctly. A Prestige Medical Bowie Dick Test Pack or an Albert Browne Test Helix MUST be used with this test.

Albert Brown Test Helix

Bowie Dick Test Pack
To run the steam penetration test, follow these steps: 1. The Pack or Helix should be placed on an instrument tray in the middle of the chamber towards the front. 2. Run the cycle.
3. At the end of the cycle, the Test Pack or Helix TST should change to a uniform purple colour. 4. If the TST is not a uniform purple colour, check the door gasket and vessel. 5. Repeat the test. 6. If the test fails again seek technical assistance.
5.2 Vacuum System Leak Test
The vacuum system leak test checks the integrity of the vacuum system. To run this test, a printer MUST be fitted. The test MUST be undertaken when the unit is cold and dry (before any other cycle has been run). To run the test, follow these steps: 1. Set the autoclave in Standby Mode by pressing the Standby / Ready button. The LED next to this button will light. 2. Press and hold the Vacuum Cycles button for 6 seconds. The first light in the Cycle Status Display will begin to count down. 3. Hold the Vacuum Cycles button until the count down reaches zero. The test will then start. During the test, the lights of the Cycle Status Display will flash. The test will take between 15 to 30 minutes. On completion, the print-out will advise if the unit has passed or failed the test. If a fail occurs clean the gasket and the chamber rim before repeating the test. If the unit repeatedly fails contact SciCan or your local authorized SciCan dealer.

Page 10

5. Additional Operations (contd)

5.3 Auto-Cycle Start

The unit can be programmed to enable any cycle to be started at any time of the day when the unit is unattended. This option is recommended particularly when the operator performs the Air Leak Detection Test To run an Auto Cycle Start, follow these steps: 1. Set the autoclave in Standby Mode by pressing the Standyby / Ready button. The LED next to this button will light. 2. Press and hold the Time / Date / Cycle Counter button for 6 seconds and then release. The time display will flash with the default time of 06.30 being displayed. 3. Press the lower Adjust Time / Date Settings button to accept. If another time is required for the auto-cycle start, change minutes then hours; by pressing button Time / Date / Cycle Counter up and the Adjust Time / Date Settings down. Accept by pressing the lower Adjust Time / Date Settings. 4. The unit then returns to Ready Mode and the LED to the left of the clock symbol continues to flash. 5. Select the required sterilizing cycle using the Vacuum Cycles button or the Non-Vacuum Cycles button, and the Additional Drying Time button if necessary. 6. Now press the Cycle Start button. The Door Open LED and the Cycle Start LED both now start to flash. The clock symbol LED is also still flashing. 7. The selected cycle will start when the programmed start time is reached. The clock symbol LED flashes until the cycle is completed. 8. To abort a timed cycle (before the cycle starts) press the Standby / Ready button.

Page 11

6. Essential Information
This product is not a washing / cleaning machine. To ensure the autoclave continues to operate correctly it is important to ensure the following points and to carry out the necessary care and maintenance procedures as specified.
Please ensure the following.
1. You have read and follow these operating instructions. 2. The load is suitable for sterilizing in the cycle selected. 3. The load can be sterilized at the selected temperature. 4. The load has been cleaned. 5.The load has been rinsed thoroughly in clean water prior to sterilization to avoid any chemical residues left after cleaning contaminating the autoclave. 6. When placing instruments on trays, ensure that they are placed on the ribs of the tray (to help drainage), they must not touch each other and must not interfere with other trays or the chamber above. 7. Only distilled, de-ionized or sterile water is used. 8. The autoclave is in a draught free area. 9. The autoclave is not installed in an enclosed cupboard space. 10. All other exterior product panels are 50mm clear of adjoining surfaces to allow air circulation. 11. The door is left ajar when not in use. 12. You quote model/serial number (which are located on the lower right hand side of the front bezel, behind the door moulding and also on the rear case just above the mains power cord entry) and date of purchase in all correspondence. 13. Only qualified personnel service the autoclave.

And please do not.

lose this handbook. add any chemicals whatsoever to the water. attempt to sterilize volatile substances, toxic materials or other unsuitable loads. Refer to your Responsible Person for advice. place the autoclave in direct sunlight. place the autoclave on heat sensitive surfaces. use inappropriate cleaning materials. drop or abuse the autoclave. use in areas of risk associated with flammable materials or gases. remove the casing or attempt to service or repair this autoclave.

Page 12

7. Maintenance
7.1 Daily Maintenance Gasket:
THE GASKET MUST BE CLEANED ON A DAILY BASIS, BEFORE USING THE AUTOCLAVE. To clean the gasket, wipe the exposed surface of the gasket and the surface of the vessel, particularly the rim, with warm water using a lint free damp cloth. For persistent marks use warm soapy water but ensure any soap residues are completely removed by wiping both the gasket and the vessel again with water using a lint free damp cloth.

Gasket Replacement

Should the gasket develop a persistent leak it should be removed, cleaned thoroughly in warm soapy water and shaken dry. Do not wipe with a cloth. The door gasket plate must also be cleaned. If the leak persists you should obtain and fit a new gasket (279011). To remove the gasket, undo the two thumb nuts (279300) in the centre of the gasket plate. Remove the plate/gasket assembly and then remove the gasket from the plate. During re-assembly, place new sealing washers supplied with gasket, in the machined recesses in the door casting. Ensure that the entry port plug aligns with the hole in the cast lid. Prior to tightening the two thumb nuts ensure that the gasket is correctly seated on the gasket plate and in the door recess. DO NOT over-tighten the thumb nuts as this may damage the thread.

EVERY 250 CYCLES.

Clean the autoclave using Autoclave cleaner (Part No. 289138). Failure to perform these procedures may result in the unit showing UOD1 on the display (UOD1 indicates that the unit may have been contaminated and could fail to operate correctly).

Page 13

7. Maintenance (contd)

EVERY 500 CYCLES.

1. Change the air filter situated at the front of the autoclave and the gasket. 2. Gently pull out the filter (299052), detach from the tubing and fit the replacement. 3. Push the filter and tube back into the hole. 4. Change the gasket (See gasket replacement opposite).
Exterior surfaces (as required).
Exterior surfaces should be cleaned with Quantim surface cleaner and disinfectant (order number 279515, 279302 refill) For persistent marks, use a gentle cream cleaner.

Every Month.

On a monthly basis fully drain the water tank by pulling out the drain button (L) and then removing the pipe from the button. Refit the button and fill the water tank with autoclave cleaning solution as per the manufacturers instructions. Leave the water tank to soak overnight (use Autoclave cleaning kit Part No. 289138). Drain, then refill with fresh water. Repeat flushing operation twice more to remove any residue. Always use de-ionized, distilled or sterile water as recommended. NEVER USE TAP WATER.

Every Three Months.

Check the calibration - refer to the service manual. Every Twelve Months Replace the water filters.

Page 14

8. Troubleshooting
If the machine does not complete a sterilizing cycle, a visual and audible indication will be given. The reason can then be determined by reference to the guide below. The recovery sequence allows access to any instruments within the autoclave and is the first step when rectifying the condition. In the unlikely event that a cycle fails to complete, instruments should be reprocessed as they may not be sterile.

User Message UOD1 and UOD2 Low water LED door illuminates on display 01 b02 d02 t02 p04
Unit contamination or gasket wear.

Remedy

Conduct routine maintenance procedures. Replace gasket. If the condition persists an engineer call-out may be required. Press button (A) twice. Top up with water to mark (S3). If door closed but door LED (C) not illuminated - push on door to see if LED can be illuminated. If door open, close door and try again. If fault occurs during a cycle - follow Recovery sequence i
Insufficient water to run a cycle.
Cycle start button pressed whilst door is open or door micro-switch requires adjustment.
Power failure during a cycle or power to Recovery sequence i unit switched off prior to cycle Check power supply - repeat the cycle. completion. Sterilizing Temperature out of range. Contamination of Sensors. Contamination or wear of the gasket. Probe temperature difference out of range. Recovery sequence i. Clean gasket and chamber face then repeat the cycle. If fault persists engineer call-out may be required. Recovery sequence i. Conduct routine maintenance procedures. Clean gasket and chamber face then repeat the cycle.If fault persists engineer call-out may be required. Recovery sequence i. Check & rest the clock - repeat the cycle. If fault persists engineer call-out required. Recovery sequence i. Clean gasket and chamber face then repeat the cycle.If fault persists engineer call-out required. Recovery sequence i. Clean gasket and chamber face then repeat the cycle. Recovery sequence i. Clean gasket and chamber face then repeat the cycle. Recovery Sequence ii - Repeat cycle. If fault persists engineer call-out may be required.

Clock error.

Sterilizing Pressure out of range.
Air bleed has not been successful. Vacuum failure.
Sensor fault - Boiler thermistor.

Page 15

8. Troubleshooting (contd)

User Message UOD3

Sensor fault - Pressure transducer.
Recovery Sequence ii - Repeat cycle. If fault persists engineer call-out may be required. Recovery Sequence iii - Repeat cycle. Recovery sequence i. Drain water out of the fresh water tank and refill with de-ionized, distilled or sterile water. Repeat the cycle. Recovery Sequence ii - Repeat cycle. If fault persists engineer call-out may be required. Recovery Sequence ii - Clean gasket and chamber face then repeat the cycle. If fault persists engineer call-out may be required. Seek advice from Responsible person. Recovery sequence i. Clean or change gasket. If fault persists Engineer call-out required.

Water in the boiler. Water fill time out.
Sensor fault - Chamber probe. System Leak.
Low Induced leak rate (NHS ONLY) Vacuum failure in drying stage. Contamination or wear of the gasket.
As non-warranty related calls can be expensive it is advisable to ensure that all consumable items have been replaced or cleaned as appropriate, and that the water quality is as described in Section 14 before contacting SciCan.

Page 16

9. Recovery Sequence
Recovery sequence (allows instruments to be removed from the unit).
Recovery Sequence i Recovery Sequence ii Recovery Sequence iii Press button (A) Press button (A) Press button (A) Stabilize (no flashing or bleeping) Stabilize (no flashing or bleeping) Stabilize (no flashing or bleeping) Press button (A) Recover NB: Cannot proceed. Switch off at mains supply. Service required. Press button (A) to enter Ready Mode
The Recovery Sequence (depending on where the fault occurs) will flush the water from the boiler and eventually complete the cycle with a continuous bleeping to indicate recovery is completed. Important. Before restarting a cycle, check that the mains plug is fully inserted into the mains outlet socket and the outlet is of the earthed/grounded type. Should all power be lost the door cannot be opened until power is restored and pressure returned to ambient. Should an internal power failure occur, the door cannot be opened until: 1. The unit has cooled down to atmospheric pressure. Access can then be made using the supplied tool. 2. A service has been carried out. In the event of failure of an indication device a service will be required to correct the condition. Should a safety feature operate, unplug the unit and call for a service - do not attempt to correct the fault. Primary safety features: Two primary features have been fitted - a pressure release valve and a boiler over temperature safety cut out.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON EMERGENCY DOOR OPENING PROCEDURES. If the door interlock lever does not fully release during door opening and the door LED has gone out, light pressure on the door will re-illuminate the door open LED. It will then be possible to open the door in the normal manner using the door open button.

Page 19

10. Additional Information (contd)
Approvals: Approvals are all model specific. However, the following standards apply in whole or part:
1. EN 60601-1-2 (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) 2. EN 13060 - Small Steam Sterilizers 3. ASME Pressure Vessel Code - Section 8 4. EN 61010-1 - Electrical Safety- General Requirements 5. EN 61010-2-041 Particular requirements for steam autoclaves Spares: Only those spare parts supplied or specified by SciCan should be used in the maintenance of the autoclave. Use of unauthorized parts will invalidate any warranty and may adversely affect the performance or safety of the unit. Accessories: Printer (Part Nos.
279519 Europe 279520 UK 279521 Australia): Optional and can be fitted by the user. Printer roll (Part No.279505): Furniture: 16l itre Tray (Part No.279482) 16 litre Pouch tray (Part No.309066) 22 litre Tray (Part No. 309071) Tray / Rack lifter (Part No.279007) Porous load basket (Part No.309067) Instrument case (Part No.309069) Pouch Rack (Part No.279009) (Part No.309068): ASME/Door tool Door plate thumb screw (Part No.279300): Sealing gasket (Part No.279011): Gasket for a 250mm. diameter chamber. O Ring door (Part No.279100): Waste Water Container (Part No.279503) Container for single use water. Test Pack (Part No.309031):

Ten replacement rolls.

SciCan approved TST Helix available from: Albert Browne Ltd. Leicester E5 1QZ UKOrder Code 3781. Autoclave cleaner (Part No.279493): For cleaning the autoclave to ensure continued operation. Air filter (Part No.299052): Replacement air filter.

Page 20

11. Warranty

Limited Warranty

For a period of two years, (first year parts and labour and second year parts only) SciCan guarantees that the Quantim B2, when supplied by SciCan in new and unused condition, will not fail during normal service due to defects in material and workmanship that are not due to apparent abuse, misuse, or accident. In the event of failure due to such defects during this period of time, the exclusive remedies shall be repair or replacement, at SciCans option and without charge, of any defected part(s), provided SciCan is notified in writing within thirty(30) days of the date of such a failure and further provided that the defective part(s) are returned to SciCan prepaid. This warranty shall be considered to be validated, if the product is accompanied by the original purchase invoice from the authorized SciCan dealer, and such invoice identifies the item by serial number and clearly states the date of purchase. No other validation is acceptable. After the two year period, all SciCans warranties and other duties with respect to the quality of the product shall be conclusively presumed to have been satisfied, all liability therefore shall terminate, and no action or breach of any such warranty or duty may thereafter be commenced against SciCan. Any express warranty not provided hereon and any implied warranty or representation as to performance, and any remedy for breach of contract which, but for this provision, might arise by implication, operation of law, custom of trade or course of dealing , including any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for particular purpose with respect to all and any products manufactured by SciCan is excluded and disclaimed by SciCan. If you would like to learn more about SciCan products and features, visit our website at www.scican.com.

Page 21

12. Printer Instruction

Printer Instructions

The optional printer is a thermal printing device powered by 4 Nickel-Metal Hydride AA batteries (supplied). When the batteries are nearly exhausted, and in need of recharging, the indicator on the printer will flash repeatedly three times. If the printer is switched on, the adapter will trickle charge the battery and will take 16hours to fully recharge. If the printer is switched off, the printer will fast charge and will take 4 hours to fully charge. Operation of the fast charge operation is indicated by a short flash every second on the display LED. There may be a delay before fast charging commences following switch off. The printer should only be used in conjunction with a MPS160 Universal power adapter. The use of an unapproved source may void the printer warranty. Battery Charging. When first delivered the batteries may have little if any charge. The printer should be turned off and connected to the power adapter and allowed to charge for 16 hours before it is used for the first time. It is permissible to leave the printer connected to the power adapter to trickle charge the batteries. If the printer is asleep it will wake up when the adapter is connected. To fast charge the batteries, the printer must be off. The indicator will flash every second whilst fast charge is in operation. Power on procedure. Check the batteries are sufficiently charged or that the power adapter is correctly fitted and operational. Open the paper cup lid and ensure the paper roll is present and there are no foreign objects inside the paper cup. Close the lid, ensuring that the paper passes through the paper exit slot. When the indicator is off the printer is off. A brief press of the button turns the printer on, the indicator will illuminate and the printer mechanism will reset. A brief press of the button will turn the printer off. Replacing Paper Roll - Part Number 279505. If the paper roll needs replacing, open the paper cup lid and remove the remaining paper using the button, do not pull paper through the printer mechanism. Reel off a few centimeters from a new roll and check that the end has a clean straight edge. Slide the leading edge of the paper through the paper entry slot, with the leading edge feeding forwards from the bottom of the roll, until you feel resistance. Press the button and feed paper through the paper exit slot. Sit the new paper in the paper cup and close the lid. Should the paper become creased or out of line when feeding in a new roll, cut the end off the paper roll, feed out the creased paper using the button, and reload ensuring the paper has a clean straight edge.

Page 22

12. Printer Instruction(contd)
Status LED. The printer incorporates an LED indicator to report its condition. If there is a fault the LED will flash in sequence. The fault can be identified by counting the number of flashes.

Page 25

14. Cycle Profiles
The above profile is for the 134C /3.5 min Vacuum cycle. The profile for the 134C /18min. Vacuum cycle differs only in the sterilizing hold time (stage 7 to 8). The 134C /min. Steam penetration test is identical to the above profile but without drying (Stage 9 to 10).
Programme Time Step min: sec
START to to to to to to to to to 10 END 00:00 00:00 Typical 02:30 Typical 06:30 Typical 06:00 Typical 05:00 Typical 07:00 Typical 07:00 Typical 03:30 Fixed 01:30 Fixed 15:00 Fixed 53:00 Fixed
Temperature (Measured Value)
Pressure (Measured Value)

Cycle identification.

Point 1 Point mbar abs. Point bar abs. Point mbar abs. Point bar abs. Point mbar abs. Point 7 3.04 bar abs. 304 bar abs. to 332 bar abs

134 to 137C.

Page 26
14. Cycle Profiles (contd)
The profile below is for the 134C /3.5 min. Bagged solid instruments. NB. Additional Drying must be added to this as detailed on page 7. Programme Step Start 1 to to to to to to 7 Time min:sec 00:00 02:00 Typical 09:00 Typical 01:30 Typical 02:00 Typical 03:30 Typical 134 to 137C 02:00Typical Fixed ADDED DRYING - NOT SHOWN ABOVE. 15:00 Fixed Could also be 05:00 or 10:00 depending on the amount selected. Typical 35:00 Temperature (Measured Value) Pressure (Measured Value) Point 1 Point mbar abs. Point 3 2.9bar abs. Point 4 1.5bar abs. Point 5 3.04bar abs. 304 bar abs. to 332 bar abs

Cycle Identification.

7 to 8

Page 27

The profile below is for the cycles (Non-vacuum cycle on a Vacuum Machine) the only difference being in sterilizing (Stage 2 to 3). On non-vacuum machines the vacuum assisted fill is not present. THE CYCLE PROFILES SHOWN ON THIS AND EARLIER PAGES ARE FOR THE 16 LITRE AUTOCLAVE

Programme Step START

Time min:sec 00:00 00:30 & 00:30 Typical 11:00 & 11:00
Temperature Pressure Cycle Identification. (Measured Value) (Measured Value)

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

03:30 & 15:30 Fixed 02:20 & 03:30 Typical 17:30 & 27:30 Typical
134.0 to 137.0C. 121.0 to 124.0C.
Point 2 750-mbar abs. in both cases. Point 2 3.04 bar abs. & 2.05 bar abs. 3.04 bar abs. to 3.32 bar abs. 2.05 bar abs. to 2.25 bar abs.

figures in bold

4 to 5

figues in italics

Page 28

15. Water Quality

Must be suitable to produce steam in accordance with International Standards. Specification for clean steam as defined by HTM2031(UK).

Determinant

Acid or Alkalinity. Ammonium Oxidisable substances.

NQ 02mg/litre NQ

Recommended test for compliance
BP test. Tests for pH are not an acceptable substitute. BP test or other suitable method BP test. BP test. Tests for hardness are not an acceptable substitute. BP test. Tests for individual elements are not an acceptable substitute. BP test or other suitable method. BP test or other suitable method. BP test. BP test. Conductivity measurement is not an acceptable substitute. BP test. Any suitable method. Any suitable method.

Based on Sterilized Water for Injections BP:
Calcium and Magnesium. NQ Heavy Metals. Chloride Nitrate Sulphate Residue on evaporation Pyrogens Based on EN 285: Phosphate Silicate. Routine monitoring only: Electrical Conductivity at 25C 01mg/litre 05mg/litre 02mg/litre NQ 30mg/litre 025EU/ml 01mg/litre 0.1mg/litre

35.5 S/cm

See HTM2031, Appendix 4 and Chapter 7
NQ = Not Quantified; BP = British Pharmacopeia; EU = Endotoxin unit. (Consideration should be given to single shot type sterilizers, where water is not returned to the reservoir at the end of the cycle).
USE OF WATER OUTSIDE THE ABOVE SPECIFICATION MAY INVALIDATE THE MACHINE WARRANTY.

Page 29

16. Loading the Autoclave
Loading has a significant impact on how the autoclave performs. The maximum permissible loads are as follows: 6 kilo for Non Vacuum Cycles 6 kilo for Vacuum cycles (un-pouched) 2 kilo for Vacuum cycles (pouched) 1 kilo for Vacuum cycles (porous load)
Always use the instrument trays or racks, which are supplied. Load instruments so that they do not touch other instruments or the chamber and are resting on the ribs of the tray. Only one item should be placed in a pouch. Pouches should be arranged so that they do not touch or overlap neighbouring pouches. If wire mesh pouch trays are used in preference to pouch racks for processing pouched instruments, the pouches should be placed paper side down on the tray. Pouched instruments must not be processed on solid or perforated trays as this will result in inadequate drying.

Page 30

VOLUME 76, NUMBER 11

PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS

11 MARCH 1996
Quantum Rabi Oscillation: A Direct Test of Field Quantization in a Cavity
M. Brune, F. Schmidt-Kaler, A. Maali, J. Dreyer, E. Hagley, J. M. Raimond, and S. Haroche
Laboratoire Kastler Brossel,* Dpartement de Physique de lEcole Normale Suprieure, 24 rue Lhomond, F-75231 Paris Cedex 05, France (Received 9 November 1995) We have observed the Rabi oscillation of circular Rydberg atoms in the vacuum and in small coherent elds stored in a high Q cavity. The signal exhibits discrete Fourier components at frequencies proportional to the square root of successive integers. This provides direct evidence of eld quantization in the cavity. The weights of the Fourier components yield the photon number distribution in the eld. This investigation of the excited levels of the atom-cavity system reveals nonlinear quantum features at extremely low eld strengths.
PACS numbers: 42.50.Ar, 03.65.w, 32.80.t
Since Plancks hypothesis, the quantization of radiation is a universally accepted fact of nature. Besides the blackbody radiation law, many phenomena such as the Compton effect, spontaneous emission, and radiative QED corrections point to the existence of eld quanta. In quantum optics, nonclassical eld behaviors, such as squeezing, antibunching, or sub-Poissonian noise statistics have been recently demonstrated [1]. However, the most generally admitted evidence of eld quantization, the discrete nature of the photodetection current, is perfectly explained by a classical description of the eld, provided that the linear detector is a quantum system [2]. Another simple fact, granted in all quantum eld descriptions, i.e., the discreteness of the energy of the radiation stored in a cavity mode, has up to now escaped direct observation. Obviously, a detector more subtle than an ordinary linear photodetector counting clinks is required. Other difculties also conspire against eld quantization evidence. When the eld energy is large compared to the quantum, incremental photon number changes are unnoticeable. Quite generally, cavity relaxation tends to blurr the photon number and to make eld measurements sensitive to average values only, which behave as classical variables. The study of the Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian [3], which describes the ideal coupling of a two-level atom to a single eld mode, indicates that a signature of the discrete nature of eld quanta could be provided by the observation of a single atoms Rabi nutation in a weak radiation eld. This effect corresponds to the population oscillations between two atomic levels e and g, when the eld is resonant on the e ! g transition. Usually, the eld presents a dispersion of photon numbers. If it is thermal, the probability Pn of nding n photons is exponential, while it is Poissonian for a coherent eld. When relaxation is negligible, the Rabi oscillation is predicted to be a superposition of sinusoidal terms, each corresponding to an n value. The weights of the various components in the sum reect the Pn distribution. For an atom initially in the upper state e, the probability Peg t to nd it at a later time t in g is Peg t p Sn Pn sin2 V n t, where V is the intrinsic 1800 0031-90079676(11)1800(4)$10.00
p atom-eld coupling and the n terms represent, for each photon number n, the dimensionless eld amplitude relevant for an atomic emission process [4]. For large coherent elds, the relative dispersion of n values is negligible and, during realistic observation times, the Rabi nutation practically occurs at a single angular frequency p 2V n , associated with the mean photon number n (classical limit). Quantum behavior of the Rabi nutation can be observed only when the coherent eld is weak, and the n uctuations relatively important. The beating between the uncommensurate frequencies is then expected to produce a collapse of the oscillation amplitude, followed at a later time by a revival [5]. An experiment on the Rydberg atom micromaser [6] has revealed an oscillation of the atomic population in a thermal eld 1.5 , n , 3.8 and in the micromaser eld. The limited range of interaction times did not provide enough resolution to separate frequencies associated with successive n values. The signal in the micromaser eld exhibited features similar to the collapse and revival effect expected in a coherent eld. However, the atom was not only the probe but also the source of the eld, whose statistics were changing with interaction time. We describe here the observation of the Rabi nutation in the vacuum and in a weak coherent eld. Atomic emission effects have negligible inuence. The atomcavity interaction time and the cavity damping time are long enough to permit the resolution of discrete frequencies proportional to the sequence of successive square root integers. This experiment provides a direct evidence of eld energy quantization in a cavity mode. The setup, sketched in Fig. 1, is cooled to 0.8 K. Rubidium atoms, effusing from the oven O, are prepared by a time resolved process into the circular Rydberg state e (principal quantum number 51) in the box B [7]. At a repetition rate of 660 Hz, 2 ms long pulses of Rydberg atoms start from B with a Maxwellian velocity spread (mean velocity yms). The atoms cross the cavity C made of two niobium superconducting mirrors (diameter 5 cm, radius of curvature 4 cm, mirror separation 2.75 cm). This cavity, whose axis is vertical, sustains the two TEM The American Physical Society

FIG. 1.

Sketch of the experimental setup.
modes with orthogonal linear polarizations and transverse Gaussian proles (waist at center w 5.96 mm). Because of a slight mirror ellipticity, the mode degeneracy is lifted (splitting 111 kHz). The lower frequency mode is tuned into resonance with the e to g transition between adjacent circular Rydberg states with principal quantum numbers 51 and 50 (frequency 51.099 GHz). A small static electric eld (0.36 Vcm) is applied across the mirrors to stabilize the circular state orbit in the horizontal plane and to provide ne tuning of the atomic frequency (via the Stark effect). This eld can also be set to a larger value to detune the atom and the cavity by an amount (1 MHz) which makes the interaction between them negligible. The mode Q factor is 107 , corresponding to a photon lifetime Tcav 220 ms, which is longer than the atom-cavity interaction time. A very stable source S is used to inject continuously into the cavity a small coherent eld with a controlled energy varying from zero to a few photons. The atoms are detected after the cavity by state selective eld ionization (detector D) and the transfer rate from e to g is measured. In circular Rydberg atoms [8], the valence electron is conned near the classical Bohr orbit. These atoms have a long radiative lifetime (32 and 30 ms for e and g, respectively), which makes atomic relaxation negligible during the atom transit time across the apparatus. These atoms are strongly coupled to radiation and the atomeld coupling at cavity center, V0 2p 25 kHz, is entirely determined by the size of the Bohr orbit and the volume of the cavity mode [7]. In fact, the coupling varies along the atom trajectory according to the law Vz V0 exp2z 2 w 2 , where z is the position of the atom along the beam axis (z 0 at cavity center). The atomic beam, which has a vertical dispersion of 0.5 mm, is adjusted to cross the cavity at an antinode level. It is important to keep the atomic ux low enough to avoid eld buildup by cumulative atomic emission (micromaser effect [6]). The average delay between successive atoms is adjusted to be 2.5 ms, much longer than Tcav. Each atom thus experiences a eld restored by S to its initial state. Taking into account the detection efciency, the actual counting rate is 30 s 1. The control of the atom-cavity interaction time t is essential. First, we determine to an accuracy of 1% the
velocity y of each detected atom from the knowledge of its arrival time in D and of its preparation time in B. We then deduce an effective interaction time t by R` p the relation t 1V0 2` Vz dzy p wy. The Maxwell velocity distribution yields reasonable atomic statistics in the range 250 , y , 700 ms, i.e., 15 , t , 40 ms. This corresponds to the central part of the Peg t signal, recorded in about 40 min. For longer times, we select slower atoms, which forces us to increase the overall atomic ux. To avoid cavity eld buildup due to emission by fast atoms, we apply on the cavity mirrors a pulse of detuning eld which is switched off just before the slow atoms enter the cavity. In this way, we reach y values in the range 110 to 250 ms, corresponding to 40 , t , 90 ms. Recording this part of the signal takes 1 h. Finally, we proceed to record the signal corresponding to short interaction times (0 to 15 ms). We detect fast atoms and we further reduce t with the help of the detuning electric eld. In each sequence this eld is switched on at a preset time t1 , corresponding to an atomic position z1 y, t1 inside the cavity. The interaction time t is then shortened Rz1 y,t to the value t 1V0 2` 1 Vz dzy. This part is recorded in 40 min. The three parts are then combined and we check that they merge smoothly. Each recording corresponds to about 105 detected atoms. The signals are presented in Fig. 2. Figures 2(A) to 2(D) show the Rabi nutations for increasing eld amplitudes. Figure 2(A) presents the nutation in cavity vacuum (with a very small correction due to thermal eld effects). Four oscillations are observed, up to 2V0 t 8p. This signal exhibits the reversible spontaneous emission and reabsorption of a single photon in an initially empty cavity mode, an effect predicted by the Jaynes-Cummings model but never observed so far in the time domain. When a small coherent eld is injected [Figs. 2(B), 2(C), and 2(D)], the signal is no longer sinusoidal, as it would be for an atom interacting with a classical eld. In Figs. 2(C) and 2(D), after a rst oscillation, a clear collapse and revival feature is observed [5]. Cavity relaxation plays a marginal role in the decrease of the oscillation amplitude in the 0100 ms time range (it would lead to complete transfer from e to g at times much longer than 220 ms). Dark counts in the ionization detectors are one of the main causes of oscillation damping (they become increasingly important at long times, i.e., low atomic uxes). Decoherence by collisions with background gas may also contribute to the oscillation relaxation. Figures 2(a) to 2(d) show the Fourier transform of the nutation signal, obtained after symmetrization with respect topt 0. Discrete peaks at frequencies n p 47 kHz, n 2 , n 3 , and even 2n are clearly observable, revealing directly the quantized nature of the eld up to three photons. The frequency n is in good agreement with the expected value V0 p 50 kHz. The low frequency noise in these spectra is an artifact due to a slow modulation in the signal to noise ratio introduced by 1801

our data collection procedure. Note also the scale change from Fig. 2(a) to 2(d). We have checked that the total area of the Fourier transform curve remains constant, as required by Pn normalization. The height of the Fourier peaks thus decreases with the eld amplitude, explaining the decrease in the signal to noise ratio from 2(a) to 2(d). The time dependent signals are tted by a sum of p damped sinusoids, with frequencies n n , n varying from 0 to 5 [solid lines in Figs. 2(A) to 2(D)]. The agreement is very good. From the relative weights of the terms in these ts, we determine photon number probabilities, shown in Figs. 2(a), ( b), (g), and (d). When no eld is injected [Fig. 2(a)], this distribution ts the thermal radiation law (solid line) with the very small
average photon number n 0.0660.01, corresponding well with the value deduced from the cavity temperature (0.05 photon at T 0.8 K). With an injected coherent eld [Figs. 2( b) to 2(d)], there is a very good agreement between the experimental data and a Poisson law (solid lines), providing an accurate value of the mean photon number in each case: 0.4060.02, 0.8560.04, and 1.7760.15, respectively. The residual thermal eld causes no appreciable deviation from the Poisson law for these mean photon numbers. This experiment can also be viewed as a measurement of the atom-cavity spectrum [9], deduced from the JaynesCummings Hamiltonian [3]. The excited levels of this system are organized in doublets, separated by one eld
FIG. 2. (A), (B), (C), and (D): Rabi nutation signal representing Pe,g t, for elds with increasing amplitudes. (A) No injected eld and 0.0660.01 thermal photon on average; (B), (C), and (D) coherent elds with 0.4060.02, 0.8560.04, and 1.7760.15 photons on average. The points are experimental [errors bars in (A) only for clarity]; the solid linespcorrespond to theoretical ts p (see text). (a), (b), (c), (d) Corresponding Fourier transforms. Frequencies n 47 kHz, n 2 , n 3 , and 2n are indicated by vertical dotted lines. Vertical scales are proportional to 4, 3, 1.5, and 1 from (a) to (d). (a), ( b), (g), (d) Corresponding photon number distribution inferred from experimental signals (points). Solid lines show the theoretical thermal (a) or coherent [( b), (g), (d)] distributions which best t the data.
quantum. The splittings of doublets corresponding to p p increasing energies are precisely hn, hn 2 , hn 3 ,. The Rabi nutation is thus a quantum beat signal, resulting from the coherent excitation and detection of linear superpositions of all these levels. The spectral component at frequency n, the only one to be excited if the eld is in the vacuum state, reveals the splitting of the rst manifold, already observed in direct spectroscopic investigations (vacuum Rabi splitting) [10]. The other components are associated with more excited manifolds, which are resolved in this work for the rst time. The rst component of the spectrum (frequency n) can be explained by a linear coupled oscillator model of the atom-cavity system [11]. The increase by discrete steps of the atom-eld coupling revealed by the existence of the other components is a quantum nonlinear effect directly related to the saturation of the two level atom resonance. Nonlinear effects are observed here with less than half a photon (energy smaller than eV). The nonlinearity of the atom-eld coupling at very low eld strength makes the Rydberg atom very different from an ordinary photodetector. It is the essential feature which renders the atom dynamics sensitive to the quantum behavior of the eld. This resonant experiment dramatically shows once more that circular Rydberg atoms are very sensitive probes of millimeter wave elds, able to measure not only the mean eld intensity with subphoton sensitivity, but also to determine accurately its statistics. Dispersive eld detection methods, also using circular Rydberg atoms, have already demonstrated comparable sensitivity with the added potential of being quantum nondemolition [7]. The combination of resonant and dispersive methods using Rydberg atoms and microwave cavities opens the way to many fascinating applications for the measurement and manipulation of weak quantum elds and for quantum information processing [12]. We would like to thank B. Bonin and H. Safa (CEA Saclay) for helping us in the preparation of the

superconducting cavity. One of us (F. S. K.) has been supported by an individual EEC grant.
*Laboratoire de lUniversit Pierre et Marie Curie et de lENS, associ au CNRS (URA18). [1] D. F. Walls and G. J. Milburn, Quantum Optics (SpringerVerlag, New York, 1995). [2] W. E. Lamb and M. O. Scully, in Polarisation, Matire et Rayonnement (PUF, Paris, 1968), p. 363; M. O. Scully and M. Sargent III, Phys. Today 25, No. 3, 38 (1972); L. Mandel, Prog. Opt. XIII, 27 (1976). [3] E. T. Jaynes and F. W. Cummings, Proc. IEEE 51, 89 (1963). [4] If we considered instead a Rabi oscillation in absorption p p (atom initially in g), n would replace n in the expression of the atomic transition probability. [5] J. H. Eberly, N. B. Narozhny, and J. J. SanchezMondragon, Phys. Rev. Lett. 44, 1323 (1980). [6] G. Rempe, H. Walther, and N. Klein, Phys. Rev. Lett. 58, 353 (1987). [7] M. Brune, P. Nussenzveig, F. Schmidt-Kaler, F. Bernardot, A. Maali, J. M. Raimond, and S. Haroche, Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 3339 (1994). [8] R. G. Hulet and D. Kleppner, Phys. Rev. Lett. 51, 1430 (1983). [9] P. Alsing, D. S. Guo, and H. J. Carmichael, Phys. Rev. A 45, 5135 (1992). [10] R. J. Thompson, G. Rempe, and H. J. Kimble, Phys. Rev. Lett. 68, 1132 (1992); F. Bernardot, P. Nussenzveig, M. Brune, J. M. Raimond, and S. Haroche, Europhys. Lett. 17, 33 (1992). [11] Y. Zhu, D. J. Gauthier, S. E. Morin, Q. Wu, H. J. Carmichael, and T. W. Mossberg, Phys. Rev. Lett. 64, 2499 (1990). [12] A. Barenco, D. Deutsch, A. Ekert, and R. Josza, Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 4083 (1995); T. Sleator and H. Weinfurter, Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 4087 (1995); P. Domokos, M. Brune, J. M. Raimond, and S. Haroche, Phys. Rev. A 52, 3554 (1995).