CANBERRA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- A laser-based technology could soon help authorities detect deadly fake alcohol and even identify dangerous chemicals inside sealed bottles without opening them, new research reveals.
The study demonstrates that a specially designed laser system can detect toxic methanol hidden inside unopened spirit bottles, even through colored glass, according to a statement released by Australia's Adelaide University on Thursday.
"We're interested in applying the same principles wherever industries need a rapid, reliable and non-invasive way to verify what's inside a sealed container," said lead author Ane Kritzinger, a joint PhD candidate with Adelaide University and the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
Methanol poisoning remains a serious global health concern, causing hundreds of deaths annually. Conventional testing requires opening bottles for lab analysis, but the new optical technique changes that.
The technique uses Raman spectroscopy to read the unique chemical "fingerprint" of a liquid through packaging, according to the study published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics.
By carefully shaping the laser beam and subtly changing its wavelength, the team greatly improved the system's ability to detect tiny amounts of methanol while filtering out interference from the bottle. The technology can detect methanol at levels about 10 times below international safety limits, offering a fast, non-destructive alternative to lab testing, the study showed.
The team has also shown they can capture a wine's unique optical fingerprint through the bottle, raising potential for tackling wine fraud. Researchers are now working to turn the lab system into practical tools for use at customs, in distilleries, and in food and quality assurance facilities. ■