Scientists Developed a 100 Times Faster and Sensitive Laser Explosives-Detection Device

Scientists of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the second week of December 2012 developed an all-new 100 times sensitive and faster laser device than any other explosives-detection device, for detecting even the minor traces of explosives. The sample which is pulsed, cavity ring-down spectrometer, quantum laser-based is currently being tested in New Mexico at Los Alamos National Laboratory of US government.
 
Associate Professor of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) revealed that the newly developed laser machine was 100 times more sensitive as well as faster than other detection devices. The professor revealed that the machine had a capability of measuring the TNT components clearly or in the parts per billion range, to be precise.
 
This laser device has a capability of sniffing the travel bags on conveyer belt and alerting the security personnel in case explosive vapours are detected from the passing object. The device could be used for replacing the security checks at airport which include complete scan of the body or bomb sniffer dogs.

The device makes use of mirrors in order to continuously pass through vapour, which in turn offers more accuracy in measurements. It is expected that the device would take two years for testing as well as regulating the prototype for detection of unique signatories of substances as well as different kinds of explosives, before it could be used commercially.

The team of scientists started working on this device in 2005. The team was asked by Australian Federal Police for creation of machine which could help in detection of explosive residue at crime scene as well as forensic investigations. Police actually wanted the machine which had a capability of working throughout the day for identifying actual kinds of explosives on each and every suitcase which passes on conveyer belt.