Germany | Bayern

Zurück zur Suche

Internationale Partnersuche

Innovation & Technologie Angebot

Ultraviolet reflectivity based trace detection technology to detect the presence of explosives and/or narcotic traces on the surfaces of objects.

Country of Origin: Netherlands
Reference Number: TONL20180205001
Publication Date: 12 February 2018

Summary

A Dutch SME developed an ultraviolet spectroscopy technology to detect explosives and/or narcotic traces on the surface of objects. The technology detects traces in the nanogram range within a typical detection time of 3 seconds. The SME seeks partners in the security and safety industry to develop specific instruments based on this spectroscopy method, for example for airport security. The SME is interested in commercial agreements with technical assistance and technical cooperation projects.

Description

A Dutch technology incubator was founded in 2010 and has a primary focus on technology companies in the security and safety domain. The Dutch SME offers a technology to detect traces of explosives and/or narcotics on the surface of objects. 

The technology is based on differential reflection spectroscopy. A broadband ultraviolet light source is used to illuminate the surface to be scanned. Then the reflected light is collected by a mirror before being directed into an imaging spectrograph. The optical signal is captured by a digital sensor, which translates the reflected light signal into a binary information package that is analyzed by a computer. The results are presented in the form of a visual and audio digital format (see picture).

How does this technology work?
To put it simply, the difference is measured between the reflected light from two different areas on a surface. After subtracting the signal collected from the two different areas, the difference is compared to a library using an algorithm. Since each substance has its own unique pattern, chemicals of interest on surfaces can be identified by this method.

Several distinct markets have been identified where the ultraviolet reflectivity based detection technology has a potential application.
Examples of application markets to trace detection of explosives and narcotics are:
• ‘Check-in’ and ‘carry-on’ luggage (shoe, luggage and parcel scanners at airports and public buildings).
• Distribution centres for parcels and cargo.
• High populated areas (stadiums, public transport, terminals, and so on).
• On-site investigation with portable scanners.
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and land mine detection (military).

The Dutch SME works in close cooperation with several partner companies to offer new product-market-combinations of high-resolution detectors.

The Dutch SME looks for partners to develop applications in the before mentioned application sectors.
The Dutch SME is interested in commercial agreements with technical assistance with system integrators or manufacturers of applications based on the ultraviolet reflectivity detection technology.
The Dutch SME offers the screening technology. The partner is desired to be the system integrator or the manufacturer of the application using the screening technology.
Image

Advantages and Innovations

The most important advantages and innovations are:
• The detection of narcotic and/or explosive traces in the nanogram range within a typical detection time of 3 seconds.
• All essential illicit materials are in the library. The library will grow and materials can be added based on customer request.
• Non-invasive 100% screening.
• Automated in line operation and high throughput.
• Seamless integration.
• No use of consumables.
• Fast returns on investment are expected. There are already shoe and parcel applications with a return on investment less than 1 year.
• The SME has been involved in various national and European research and development projects and built up its network with applied research institutes in Germany and the Netherlands, specialized component companies, start-ups as well as established companies and high-end system suppliers.

Stage Of Development

Already on the market

Requested partner

Type of partner:
Industry

Field of activity of partner:
A system integrator or manufacturer of specific detection equipment.

Role of the partner:
The system integrator or the manufacturer of the application that will use the offered ultraviolet reflectivity based trace detection technology.

Cooperation offer ist closed for requests