NEWS Researchers at Umeå University and the Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, have developed new laser methods that can quickly detect chemical weapons and harmful bacteria directly on site – without the need to send samples to a laboratory.
Laser light interacting with chemicals emits a 'fingerprint' – a signal that can be used to detect and identify the chemical in question.
ImageDaniel NilssonHazardous chemicals can appear in many forms. They can be pollutants in waterways, pesticides in our food, or synthetic substances designed to cause harm – such as narcotics or chemical weapons. To reduce the risk of these substances entering our bodies, it is crucial to be able to detect them quickly and reliably.
A new doctoral thesis from Umeå University shows how laser light can be used to do just that.
“All hazardous chemicals consist of molecules with specific structures and properties that make them dangerous. When these chemicals interact with light, for example from a laser, they emit a 'fingerprint' – a light signal that is unique to that particular chemical,” says Rasmus Öberg, doctoral student at the Department of Physics and the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University.
Using these fingerprints, Rasmus Öberg has developed measurement methods capable of detecting very small amounts of chemicals. The methods can be applied, for example, in conflict zones or environmental monitoring to provide an early indication of danger, which can later be confirmed through more in-depth and time-consuming laboratory analyses.
“Traditional methods for detecting hazardous chemicals have often been quite impractical to use outside the lab. With portable instruments and surfaces that amplify the light signals from the chemicals, we can take these methods into real-world environments. The collaboration with FOI, which has extensive experience in handling dangerous substances, has been invaluable in this work,” he says.
The thesis also shows that similar methods can be used to detect harmful bacteria and bacterial spores. This is particularly valuable in areas such as the food industry, and hospitals where multi-resistant bacteria are a major problem.
“Biological substances are often more complex to detect, but by isolating characteristic chemicals from these bacteria and bacterial spores, we can identify even relatively small quantities. This is an exciting complement to established biological detection methods such as bacterial culture and PCR," says Rasmus Öberg.
The researchers now hope that the technology can be further developed and applied in more contexts where quick and reliable analysis is crucial. In the long term, the methods could help strengthen preparedness and safety in areas such as environment protection, defence and public health.
Small amounts of hazardous chemicals can cause significant harm to both nature and the human body. With the help of sensitive and efficient detection methods, it is possible to detect these chemicals before they cause harm.
ImageDaniel NilssonRasmus Öberg was born and raised in Umeå. He has previously studied the Master of Science Programme in Engineering Physics, including an exchange semester in Hong Kong. For the past five years, he has conducted doctoral studies in experimental physics through the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University and FOI.
On Friday 24 October, Rasmus Öberg, Department of Physics at Umeå University, will defend his thesis titled Spotlight the Killer: Detecting harmful chemical and biological substances using optical spectroscopy. The dissertation will take place at 13:00 in Aula Anatomica, Biology Building. The faculty opponent is Prof. Fredrik Höök, Chalmers University of Technology.
The Industrial Doctoral School is based on collaboration between the University, researchers and businesses or organisations. The aim is to combine benefits for both society and the external party while training new high-quality researchers. The doctoral student also receives a tailored academic course package. The doctoral school is open to all disciplines and the doctoral student is employed at Umeå University.
