Michigan State University (MSU) scientists have introduced a laser that could sense the presence of roadside bombs, which are the most destructive armaments being used by enemies in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Marcos Dantus
The laser has a light output almost similar to that of ordinary laser pointers. It is highly selective and sensitive and can monitor large areas to identify improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These explosives are reportedly the cause of the death of about 60% coalition soldiers. Marcos Dantus, founder of BioPhotonic Solutions and chemistry professor, guided the members of research team during the study, the results of which has been published in the journal, Applied Physics Letters.
Dantus said that identifying the IEDs in the ground is demanding because the atmosphere releases several chemical compounds that cover the molecules that need to be detected. He added that the ability to be sensitive to molecular structure is crucial in the detection of explosives and to prevent needless blocking of roads and building evacuation because of wrong alarms.
Since IEDs can be present in places which are highly populated, the procedures used to identify these explosives must be non-destructive. They also must be capable of discriminating explosives from identical chemical compounds that can exist in the environment. The laser introduced by MSU researchers can sense even traces in the range of a fraction of a billionth of a gram.
The laser beam integrates short pulses that strike the molecules and cause vibration in them, and long pulses that are utilised to "listen" and detect various "chords." The chords feature various vibrational frequencies that distinctively detect each molecule. The extremely sensitive laser can operate in combination with cameras and permits users to monitor seemingly risky spaces from a secure distance.