German scientists develop liquid explosive detector

If this latest invention from German scientists catches on, we may all be able to carry our perfumes, lotions, after shaves and other liquids aboard without the current restrictions that have plagued air travellers since 2006.

A team of physicists from Germany’s Juelich research centre have said they have now developed a path breaking new technology that is able to detect and indentify explosive ingredients in liquids in no more than a fraction of a second. The scientists have said this could be the answer to the liquid-restriction problem currently causing much distress and inconvenience across airports all over the world.

The prototype device assembled by the scientists is reportedly able to instantly tell if any liquids could be potentially explosive.

After a plot to carry liquid bombs onto flights originating in the UK was uncovered in 2006, all passengers now face severe limitations on the amount of liquids they can carry on board. The aftermath of the safety precaution becoming mandatory has seen thousands of passengers having to dump everything from perfumes to expensive wines at the boarding gates, if the quantity exceeded permitted limits.

The three British Muslims involved in the plot were arrested and subsequently detained, and have been handed lengthy sentences after being proven guilty only months ago. The restrictions however, continue, although there has been some talk of easing these over the next few years.

The breakthrough technology from the German scientists uses electromagnetic waves to generate what is being called a molecular “finger print” for fluids, allowing the easy and quick identification of dangerous ingredients.