“Our competence stems from our unique knowledge of explosive substances, which means that we are always able to choose the right technology in the search for a particular substance. For this reason there are many who wish to work with us, and we are currently engaged in research collaboration with colleges, companies and research institutes in Sweden, in other European countries and in the United States,” says FOI’s Dr Sara Wallin who works on the detection of explosive substances.
Explosive substances can be detected in two ways, as exemplified by airport security procedures:

• One way is to search for threat substances in bulk, i.e. actual explosive charges. This is done, for example, when a bag passes through an x-ray scanner.

• Another way is to search for trace amounts using advanced detection methods. Anyone making a bomb will get traces of substances on their hands which will in turn be transferred to their clothes and bags. That is why one sees airport security staff wipe a cotton wool swab across a computer.

“An exciting Swedish project which we at FOI are leading is the development of methods for the remote detection of threat substances. The aim is to be able to locate larger explosive charges at a distance of 30 metres. But the fact is that, with the aid of lasers and Raman spectroscopy, we have learned to find bombs at distances of up to 470 metres.

FOI is working on a number of research projects within the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme. Sara Wallin is coordinator for the LOTUS project (Localisation of Threat Substances in Urban Society) which is aimed at finding methods of locating improvised bomb factories. This work was given the highest priority after the London Underground bombings for which the bombs had been manufactured in a flat in Leeds.

“FOI is regarded as best in the world where the detection of explosive substances is concerned. We were the best at detecting mines and we now make use of that expertise in order to prevent terrorist outrages. It is thanks to our specialist knowledge and our ability to use the most modern technology that we are highly regarded as a partner in the field of civil security,” says Sara Wallin in conclusion.