About the project
Explosives and their precursors are a serious threat for defence and security in both military and civilian contexts. Trace vapour detection of explosive compounds or precursors is still beyond the reach of current Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs).
ETDs often rely on mechanical sampling (‘swabbing’) with subsequent desorption and analysis, which is impractical in many settings and impossible with any concealed or wrapped explosive inaccessible to sampling. The limitations affecting the currently available ETD-ready technologies include:
- a lack of sufficient sensitivity
- incompatibility with use outside of laboratory settings
- easily evaded operational requirements
- a combination of these limitations
This makes real-time vapour trace detection of explosives a much-wanted unmet capability.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a laser-based technique that provides ultra-sensitive molecular ‘finger-printing’ capability in which the University of Southampton has a world-leading track-record.
In this project, you’ll develop a novel SERS-based approach for the sensitive direct detection and identification of explosive trace vapours. You’ll combine the sensitivity of SERS with innovative concepts in data analysis and device development that will lead to a laboratory prototype. This project will be a step towards realising a novel class of explosive trace detectors, fulfilling a vital need in defence and security and beyond.
In this fully funded interdisciplinary PhD opportunity, you will learn and develop advanced spectroscopy techniques, analysis methods as well as rapid prototyping approaches (e.g. 3D printers and laser cutters) for device development.
You’ll have the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at Smiths Detection to develop potential designs for field conditions. Training in all areas of the PhD as well as opportunities for professional development will be available but enthusiasm to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary collaborative environment is desirable.
Lead supervisor
- Professor Sumeet Mahajan (University of Southampton)
Supervisors
- Doctor Alastair Clark (Smiths Detection)
- Doctor Luca Marmugi (Smiths Detection)
- Doctor Niall Hanrahan (University of Southampton)
