Light-emitting luminescence detector

It is now easier to detect bombs in public places such as airports or stations thanks to a new type of luminescent polymer by chemist William Dichtel and graduate student Deepti Gopalakrishnan of Cornell University. ) develope.

Chemist Dichtel (left) and student introduced the polymer sample to detect explosives.

Typically, the random linking structure of the polymer allows it to absorb light, transmit energy, and eventually release that energy into light. But with this special polymer sheet, energy is generated even when it comes in contact with a single molecule of the explosive and is released into heat instead of light. This causes the polymer sheet to stop glowing immediately - a sign that experts recognize the presence of explosives.

This luminescent polymer is specially formulated to detect RDX molecules, a very powerful explosive used by terrorists, not just on surfaces that are even in the air. Experts from the two experts say that the polymer does not react with cosmetic ingredients such as lipstick and sunscreen, so make sure it does not warp.

They hope the new material can be integrated into cheap handheld sensors to use instead of professional sniffer dogs.