
Quantum cascade lasers ‘can detect falsified drugs’.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have developed a miniaturised quantum cascade laser (QCL) device that could provide a new, no-contact way of rapidly distinguishing falsified from genuine medicines.
The matchbox-sized unit has already showed its security potential in the rapid detection of explosive or toxic substances – at a distance of several metres – and Fraunhofer is in the process of seeking out industry partners to develop that commercial application. At the same time, it is assessing QCL for pharmaceutical applications, including not only detection of counterfeits but also monitoring the quality of medicines during manufacturing.
The semiconductor-based infrared laser technology comes from a tie-up between Fraunhofer’s Dresden-based Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS – which has been working on the detector component of the device – and its Institute for Applied Solid State Physics which developed the tunable laser chips.
Related Posts
Producers concerned by the new face of counterfeiting
The lack of control laboratory, lack of industry standards, carelessness, makes...
North Korean counterfeit cigarette trade faces squeeze
Stepped up U.N. sanctions against North Korea could put a crimp on an important...
Fake champagne, whiskey and food seized
Illicit oil, vinegar, honey and champagne have been seized in a huge clampdown on...
Newcastle tobacco plot foiled after man found with more than 350,000 illicit cigarettes
A tobacco smuggling plot has been stubbed out after a man was caught with more...