Forensics

A New Resolution for Explosive Detection

Scientists are developing new methods to reveal traces of drugs and bomb-making components. A rather new approach named spectroscopy and in particular, infrared absorption spectroscopy, is used by scientists to detect performance-enhancing drugs in blood samples and tiny particles of explosives in the air. While the method has improved greatly in the last 100 years, researchers are still working to make the technology more sensitive, inexpensive and versatile.

A new light-trapping sensor, developed by a University of Buffalo-led team of engineers, makes progress in all three areas. “This new optical device has the potential to improve our abilities to detect all sorts of biological and chemical samples,” Qiaoqiang Gan, PhD., associate professor of electrical engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at UB told the University’s site.

The sensor works with light in the mid-infrared band of the electromagnetic spectrum. This part of the spectrum is used usually for remote controls, night-vision and other applications.