How to detect a bomb within a few seconds, thanks to a gel
In order to detect chemical agents used for the preparation of bombs and explosives, scientists from the Northern Irish Queen’s University based in Belfast, are working on some sensors which can act quickly, thanks to their pads containing a special gel, which are swiped over a person or a crime scene, to gather samples which are then analyzed by a scanner.
Within a few seconds, thanks to this combination, the scanner will be able to detect any possible presence of chemical agents, enabling security staff to act immediately to counter a terrorist threat.
Thanks to Raman spectroscopic analysis, which is carried out by shining a laser beam over the subject to be analyzed, and them measuring the energy which is “bouncing” away, this highly sophisticated scanner can measure even the smallest chemical particles, providing immediate results and maximum accuracy.
The scanner’s sensitivity can be further augmented thanks to microscopic silver particles, which amplify the signals, allowing detection of the smallest chemical traces. Apart from prevention of possible terrorist attacks, the Queen’s University team is thinking about a possible usage on the roads, since these sensors might also be used to detect presence of alcohol or drugs, improving the normal balloon test currently used.
Currently, anti drug tests carried out by roadside police is not so trustworthy and not fast enough, while thanks to this process, it could be possible to obtain immediate and absolutely reliable results, providing police with an effective tool to fight the plague of driving under the influence, and improving security on the roads.
