Photos Point and Detect
Michael Carpenter, a researcher at the University of Albany, is impressed by both the range of the detection and the selectivity of the system. "This is a really neat technique," said Carpenter. "What they need to do now is keep pushing the limits of the technology onto more challenging applications." The range of the experiments has been limited by the distance inside the lab. The researchers expect the system can scan up to 100 meters (328 feet), which they will soon test. That's far enough that a car can drive at a normal speed while front-mounted lasers sensors scan for roadside bombs and alert the driver, say the researchers. A car-mounted system could happen in as little as a couple of years. The system will continue to shrink physically while expanding capability. The lasers, which are eye-safe, since they only use about five milliwatts of power, can be easily mass produced and the researchers expect the price will continue to drop. "I remember the first CD player I bought was over $100," said Senesac. "Today you can buy a CD laser for probably four or five bucks. We expect something similar to happen." Eventually the researchers envision the system becoming so cheap and small that consumers could find one on their cell phone and use it to scan fruit for freshness. "We could be coming to a point very much like laser pointers, where you go to Wal-Mart and just pick up some quantum cascade lasers," said Van Neste. Related Links: |
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