Seeing the invisible - new laser method helps detect hidden liquid explosives

A new and powerful technique that can detect hidden liquid explosives through common plastic containers and glass bottles has been demonstrated by scientists from STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), in Oxfordshire. The research is being reported today in the American Chemical Society's journal, Analytical Chemistry.

There is real concern about the use of liquid explosives by terrorists, which has led to the current restrictions in place at airports. Current methods for detecting potentially dangerous materials are time-consuming and not always practical. The difficulty in detecting these substances is also compounded by the wide variety of packaging used by air travellers in which these explosives can be readily concealed.

The scientific paper by Dr Charlotte Eliasson, Dr Neil Macleod and Dr Pavel Matousek, ‘Non-invasive Detection of Concealed Liquid Explosives using Raman Spectroscopy’, reports on the successful application of a recently developed measurement technique using lasers that applies a novel approach to a conventional, trusted method for identifying materials. The technique is known as ’Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy’ (SORS) and was originally developed for medical and pharmaceutical applications, but has now been demonstrated to work in security applications. The technique - which can be implemented using a hand-held ‘probe’ - produces chemical information on liquids contained in transparent and diffuse plastic containers, including those made from coloured materials.

Applications of this technology are not only limited to security; the detection of adulterated food products and beverages as well as use in quality control in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries are also being tested.

"This work is a fine example of how fundamental scientific research can come up with solutions to practical problems that concern every one of us.", says Professor Mike Dunne, the Director of the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory where the research has taken place.

Dr Pavel Matousek, the project team leader, commented, "As well as this exciting use in security, this technology is applicable to a wide range of problems. We are now planning to develop the technology commercially through a new spin-out company 'LiteThru Ltd', which will address areas such as pharmaceutical manufacture, anti-counterfeiting and medical diagnosis as well".

Notes for editors

The reported work was supported financially from the Proof-of-Concept Fund by CLIK Knowledge Transfer (STFC's technology transfer arm), STFC, NESTA, the Rainbow Seed Fund and EPSRC.

The paper: C. Eliasson, N.A. Macleod and P. Matousek, 'Non-invasive Detection of Concealed Liquid Explosives using Raman Spectroscopy' (link opens in a new window), Analytical Chemistry, in press, September 2007.

Background on the SORS technique (link opens in a new window)

The work stems from recent research efforts of a collaborative team including the laser team at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, ICI PLC, University of Michigan, the Royal Veterinary College and University College London, which was focused on non-invasive spectroscopy of powders and bones

The Central Laser Facility (CLF)

The Central Laser Facility (link opens in a new window) (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is one of the world's leading laser facilities providing scientists from universities in the UK and Europe with an unparalleled range of state-of-the-art laser technology.

Contacts

• Natalie Bealing
  Science and Technology Facilities Council
  Press Office
  Tel: 01235 445 484
  
  
• Dr Pavel Matousek
  Central Laser Facility
  STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
  Tel: 01235 445 377

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