Implant Sciences Unveils Laser-Based Explosives Detection Device

WAKEFIELD, Mass., Dec. 18 -- Implant Sciences Corp. demonstrated a prototype laser-based explosives and narcotics detection device at its shareholders meeting. The system can detect vapors from certain narcotics and at least five types of explosives at airborne concentrations measured in parts per trillion.

Leonid Krasnobaev, who was primarily responsible for the development of the system, demonstrated its ability to collect and analyze vapors from miniscule samples of explosives and narcotics, without contacting the target materials. The device successfully detected, identified and quantified the presence of the explosives TNT and RDX (a primary component of C-4 plastic explosives), as well as THC, a chemical that is present in marijuana and heroin.

The explosives detection device relies on the laser resonant enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) phenomenon previously employed for isotope enrichment. The REMPI ion source is integrated with an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), which is currently used in explosives and narcotics detection. The combination of IMS with the REMPI ion source is unique to Implant Sciences' system.