DRDO lab's device can detect liquid explosives

BENGALURU: Aimed at enhancing security preparedness given the increased threat perception to India and its vulnerability, defence scientists have developed Preemptor, a handheld system which can detect explosives in the form of liquid, powder or pills.

It has undergone user evaluation with paramilitary forces and perceived to have a huge potential. Scientists from DRDO's Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC) say it can detect different types of explosives like TNT, TATP, DNT, RDX, HMX, et al from a range of 5 metres within 10-12 seconds.

The system illuminates the targeted material with a laser. "The system utilises Raman backscattering technique which provides a signature or a fingerprint of the explosive material in terms of light signals. The technique can detect multiple species of explosives contained in transparent bottles in a single measurement," a senior DRDO official told STOI.

There have been attempts to make a device like this in India, including one by an IISc scientist though it was not hand-held. LASTEC scientists, however, said: "This system is the first of its kind in terms of software used for online analysis and identification of targeted materials in standoff mode. The software provides information about the material in text as well as an audio alarm simultaneously."

The sub-systems of the device are packaged in an aluminium alloy casing. The system has potential applications in screening unattended explosives, liquid explosives in transparent bottles and threats in the form of powder and pills.