Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing innovative technology that could revolutionize the way safety is ensured in environments where invisible threats may be present in the air. The project, named Sauron (Standoff Aerosol Measurement Remote Optical Network), aims to equip first response specialists and security officers with the ability to detect and neutralize air threats before they pose any harm.
At the core of Sauron is the use of lasers with a frequency comb, a technology that has previously been awarded the Nobel Prize. These laser devices, which are portable and run on batteries, are capable of detecting tiny particles in the air that may contain harmful chemicals like ammonium nitrate (used in explosives) or fentanyl, which can be deadly upon contact.
Unlike traditional lasers, frequency comb lasers emit light beams with multiple colors simultaneously, allowing for the identification of aerosols by their unique “fingerprints”, even when present in very low concentrations in the air.
Over the next three years, scientists plan to enhance the sensitivity of their lasers by incorporating integrated photonics technology, which will enable the development of compact devices that use light to transmit information. These advancements are expected to greatly enhance safety measures against various threats, including industrial accidents and chemical attacks.
The Sauron project, named after the villain from the Lord of the Rings, is being funded by a multimillion-dollar contract from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) and involves collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder, California Institute of Technology, University of California Santa Barbara, and three companies.