A method and device for producing a minus-
ion air similar to a heated compressed hot air
stream, electromagnetic
waves in the far-
infrared and submilimeter region (hereinafter referred to as ''terahertz wave'') by regulating the
discharge pressure and the
discharge temperature. The device is excellent in versatility, small in size, and low in cost. An object processed by using the method and device, a
processing method, and a
processing apparatus are also provided. Air is sent from a blower or an
air compressor (2) through an air
pipe (8) to a heated
compressed air regulator (vessel (3)). The air sealed in the heated compressed airregulator (1) regulated under a predetermined
discharge pressure (for example, 30 kPa to 150 kPa) and at a temperature (40 DEG C to 250 DEG C) is passed through a through hole (4A) of a circular plate (4) to produce a heated
compressed air. In the produced hot air
stream, a
resonance electromagnetic wave resonating with the
natural frequency of the water molecule is generated by a terahertz wave and a generated
thermal shock wave, thereby the
hydrogen bond of the water molecules in the air is
cut, and electrons are released from
hydrogen atoms, thus also producing a minus-
ion air
stream. A processed object, a
processing method, and a processing apparatus are so constituted that the produced hot air stream is used for
drying, production of a functional water by exposing water to the hot air stream, production of an aqueous fuel, beauty / health appliances, air /
water quality improvement devices,
combustion efficiency enhancement devices for internal
combustion engines, and so forth.