Light could be a simple and effective method for detecting unexploded bombs, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) claim in their invention.
The invention is based on the following phenomenon: The nitrotoluene vapors released by the explosives TNT and DNT significantly reduce the laser light emission capability of an organic semiconductor polymer.
Therefore, the research team proposed a detection technique by coating a thin layer of polymer on a glass slide. When stimulated by short-wave pulses, the polymer emits laser light. One end of the polymer is sealed so that the generated laser beam is directed at the opposite end, parallel to the glass slide.
If this polymer layer comes into contact with TNT or DNT vapors, the intensity of the laser beam will drop instantly by about 100 times. This change can be easily detected by optical sensors, triggering a rapid warning alert.
The inventors stated that the system could be integrated into a handheld device for detecting bombs hidden in suspicious bags. It could also be sensitive enough to detect landmines buried underground.
T. An
