The detection of IEDs is extremely challenging because the environment injects a large number of chemical compounds that mask the select few molecules that one is trying to detect, said Dantus.
Dantus’ latest laser can make these distinctions even for quantities as small as a fraction of a billionth of a gram. The laser beam combines short pulses that kick the molecules and make them vibrate, as well as long pulses that are used to “listen” and identify the different “chords”.
The chords include different vibrational frequencies that uniquely identify every molecule, much like a fingerprint. The high-sensitivity laser can work with cameras and allows users to scan questionable areas from a safe distance.
“The laser was originally intended for microscopes, but we were able to broaden its use for detection of explosives,” said Dantus.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks