News Article

New bomb-detection device said to be world's most sensitive
Date: Apr 16, 2005
Source: Engadget ( click here to go to the source)

Featured firm in this article: ICx Nomadics of Stillwater, OK



A team from MIT has developed an explosives detector that they say is more sensitive than existing detection tools, including bomb-sniffing dogs, which are currently the best way to track down bombs and landmines. The device, to be commercialized by Oklahoma-based Nomadics Inc., uses laser-treated flourescent polymers, which become less flourescent when they are near explosive materials; existing detectors based on MIT's work (such as Nomadics' Fido X, pictured) use flourescent polymers, but the laser-enhancement is said to increase sensitivity by up to 30 times. Potential applications include detecting potential suicide bombers, clearing landmines and saving canines from dangerous law-enforcement careers.