Detector up for Eureka
THREE Deakin researchers are in the running for a coveted science award after helping to create a device being developed to provide global security agencies with a powerful tool against terrorism.
They are part of a team that developed the world’s first compact inorganic explosives trace detector that is capable of rapidly detecting homemade explosives.
A prototype of the GreyScan device was launched earlier this year and the US transport security agency is planning to trial the technology as part of its aviation security measures.
Two of the Deakin researchers are based at the Waurn Ponds campus but the trio helped develop the methodology underpinning the device while working with former colleagues at University of Tasmania and Melbourne-based partner Grey Innovation.
The team has been named a finalist for the Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia Award, one of the Eureka Prizes.
The Deakin researchers are Rosanne Guijt, professor of smart sensors within Deakin’s Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Associate Professor Robert Shellie, from the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, and Ryan Nai, post-doctoral research fellow, Life science,
Professor Guijt said inorganic compounds were increasingly being used to make homemade explosive devices.
“Inorganic compounds, such as chlorates, perchlorates and nitrates, are readily available because of their use as fertiliser and gunpowder,” she Guijt said. “At the same time military explosives have become increasingly difficult to source.
“Specific instructions are well publicised for the fabrication and deployment of inorganic explosive devices in pipe bombs, pressure cooker bombs, suicide vests and car bombs.”
The GreyScan system provides the high-resolution detection capabilities of laboratory-based instrumentation in a robust and compact unit.
Lightweight and portable, the unit can operate on internal batteries and has been designed for continuous throughput of samples with a rapid analysis time of less than 40 seconds.
GreyScan is in full-scale production from a new facility in Port Melbourne to fulfil global orders.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the country’s most comprehensive national science awards, honouring excellence across the areas of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.