Question: How could your research prevent terrorist attacks?

Jesus Calvo-Castro answered on 16 Nov 2015:

Hi @bhollyb. Great question! My research if focused on designing and developing sensing devices for explosive compounds containing nitro (NO2) and aromatic (benzene) groups. The compounds I use to detect them emit light but this emission is quenched by vapours of the nitroaromatic explosives. Therefore, we can know by measuring the emission if there is an explosive materials or not. These type of devices are already used with different compounds at airports