Scottish firm's sensor technology at 'critical' stage

A Scottish company has developed sensor technology which it says can "fingerprint" explosives and could be used in airports.

Cascade Technologies believes its system, which uses a laser-based sensor to detect explosives, is at a "critical" stage and is seeking government support, the BBC reports.

The company, which was spun out of Strathclyde University in 2003, says its quantum cascade lasers are more effective at detecting gases in the air than trained sniffer dogs.

It claims the technology could be used in hand-held detectors operated by security staff at airport check points and luggage carousels within two years.

"The technology is at a critical stage and prototype studies have shown that the instantaneous fingerprinting of explosive compounds is possible," said the firm's chief executive, John Fuller.

He added: "Cascade has had a five-figure sum from central government to help demonstrate the technology."

Airport security has been highlighted in the wake of the recent UK security alert. Other companies developing security technology include Australian firm QRSciences, which has found a way of detecting plastic explosives in carry-on luggage.

© Adfero Ltd