Detection of hazardous substances using precision optics

Swedish company Serstech is a leader in the development of handheld Raman spectrometers – instruments that measure the dispersion of light to identify hazardous substances such as chemical warfare agents, narcotics, and explosives. Through collaboration with Prevas, Serstech has not only been able to improve the performance of its instruments, but also develop innovative accessories and solutions that differentiate the company's products in the market.

New innovative solutions in collaboration with Prevas

Serstech's Raman spectrometers are compact, mobile, and can be used without direct contact with the substance being examined, making them useful for customs, police, and bomb squads, for example. They are particularly suitable for hazardous environments where rapid identification of substances is crucial, such as chemical spills or explosions. The technology has also been used in war zones to deal with chemical weapons and other threats.

Serstech began its collaboration with Prevas to solve some of the biggest challenges in the field of optical detection. As one of the few companies in Europe specializing in this type of technology, Serstech needed a partner that not only offered expert knowledge but also the ability to develop innovative solutions.

“We sought help from Prevas to solve the optical challenges, particularly around identifying chemical weapons in aerosol form,” says Stefan Sandor, CEO of Serstech. ”These types of substances are dispersed as tiny droplets in the air, which makes it difficult to hit enough molecules to produce a reaction. Prevas' expertise was crucial in developing the prototype that we will be launching as a finished product later this year.”

One of the most important results of the collaboration between Serstech and Prevas has been the development of a handheld device with a 2D scanner, a “pocket-sized chemical lab” that makes it possible to quickly and easily identify hazardous substances on site. The technical solution was developed as part of the European SERSing project, which aims to create portable and ultra-sensitive devices for rapid detection and identification of chemical threats.

“The prototype builds on existing SERS technology and marks a major step forward in the usability and effectiveness of portable detection systems,” says Stefan Sandor.

Continued development of spectrometers and new accessories

Neimantas Vainorius, PhD in physics and consultant at Prevas, was a key figure in the development of the new solution. He has extensive experience in Raman and spectroscopic techniques, as well as in the design and programming of optical systems for image processing. Together with a team at Prevas, he has supported Serstech by developing a sophisticated system that precisely moves a laser point over samples in a controlled pattern. This system formed the basis for the 2D scanner that is now being launched.

“It has been fantastic to see how the 2D scanner has gone from an idea to actually working in practice,” says Neimantas Vainorius. ”At the same time, we have been working on further developing the spectrometer design by improving the focusing mechanisms, increasing laser stability, and optimizing thermal control.”

More than a scanner – innovation in every detail

In addition to developing the 2D scanner, Prevas has also been involved in the development of several new accessories and add-ons for Serstech's existing spectrometers. These accessories improve the performance of the handheld devices and enable more flexible use in different environments.

“We chose to collaborate with Prevas to improve our products and develop new solutions that can meet future safety needs,” says Stefan Sandor. ”Together, we have developed innovative and reliable solutions for situations where rapid and accurate detection of hazardous substances is crucial.”

Our expertice / Prevas has contributed with: