A research team from Michigan State University invented bomb-detecting lasers which can be used security checkpoints.
Marcus Dantus, a chemistry professor of chemistry and founder of BioPhotonic Solutions, has created a laser that can identify minute traces of explosive chemicals on bags and clothes.
"Since this method uses a single beam and requires no bulky spectrometers, it is quite practical and could scan many people and their belongings quickly. Not only does it detect the explosive material, but it also provides an image of the chemical's exact location, even if it's merely a minute trace on a zipper," Dantus said in Science Codex.
However, this laser is not a handheld-type device. It would seemingly be similar to x-ray scanners used in entry points in airports and shopping malls. Dantus added that this low-energy laser would be safe to use on people and stuff.
Scientists have been working to create powerful lasers for detections which should also be safe enough for people’s use for almost a decade now. Dantus’ idea for this invention was inspired by his partnership with Harvard University which has created a cancer-detecting laser, but has the beam output of a simple pointer.
Dantus also said, "While working on biomedical imaging, I began exploring additional applications. We soon learned how effective it was for detecting traces of hazardous substances from distances up to 10 meters away."
The bomb-detecting laser works as a single beam, but utilizes double pulses. The initial pulse resonates with certain chemical frequencies typical in explosives and the second, which is a shadow pulse, acts as a reference. The inconsistency between the two pulses signifies the existence of explosive materials.
Scientists claimed that the ability of the laser is not affected by the surface of color of bags, clothes or any material covering the explosive. The two pulses are balanced all the time unless it detects explosive materials.
The study was published in the online journal Applied Physics Letter.
