What does the future of chemical threat detection look like? How close are we to reliable through-barrier analysis, AI-assisted signal interpretation, or fully robotic detection systems that keep frontline teams out of harm’s way?
We put these questions – and more – to Steve Wood, Commercial Manager, Detection and Security Systems at Agilent Technologies. Wood talks us through the shifting landscape of chemical, explosive, and narcotic threats, the technology gaps that still keep him up at night, and why the industry’s “holy grail” may not be as far off as it once seemed.
How has the global landscape of chemical, explosive, and narcotic threats changed in recent years?
Recent years have seen changes in the chemical threat environment. Some countries continue to develop chemical warfare agents, and new types of Fourth Generation Agents (FGAs) have been identified. (Please refer to the following infographic for historical context and details.)
Narcotic threats involving pharmaceutical-based agents have been developing apace, with potent synthetic opioids and analgesics becoming widely available via the dark web. Some of these compounds exhibit toxicity levels comparable to traditional chemical warfare agents. In particular, the prevalence of so many variants of synthetic opioids (for example Fentanyl which now includes over 570 derivatives) poses a significant challenge to detection. Continuous adaptation and regular updates to detection libraries and capabilities are necessary to address the emergence of new variants.
In high-stakes situations, what are the most important qualities an analytical technology must deliver?
Technology requirements (qualities) for the front line “presumptive” detection equipment are focused on several key qualities. First, performance and specificity are paramount: the system must accurately identify the exact chemical threat even when faced with a wide array of structurally similar chemicals. Precision is essential to avoid false positives or missed detections in time-sensitive scenarios. Second, usability is crucial. These tools are often operated in challenging environmental conditions, by non-scientists, in PPE, potentially remotely from the threat source. Intuitive interfaces, rugged design and remote-control capabilities are vital for effective deployment.
Overall, today’s tools perform better than ever, benefitting from advancements in analytical equipment over the past decade. Manufacturers have become more agile in responding to emerging threats. However, gaps remain, certain threat scenarios still present potential blind spots or limitations for detection capabilities. As a result, there is an ongoing need for innovation in scientific instrumentation – especially when it comes to packaging technologies for reliable and practical field detection use.
Core Technologies in the Detection Toolbox
With Steve Wood
Depending on the scenario and environment, whether military, HAZMAT, border control, or emergency response, a diverse suite of analytical technologies are deployed to detect and identify chemical, explosive, radiological, and narcotic threats. These tools are selected based on their specificity, speed, portability, and ease of use under pressure.
Raman spectroscopy: widely used for non-invasive chemical identification, including through-barrier detection with systems like Agilent’s Resolve. SORS (spatially offset Raman spectroscopy) and SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) extend capabilities to detect trace-level substances and analyse materials inside sealed containers
FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy): effective for identifying organic compounds, especially in solid and liquid samples. Often used alongside Raman for complementary analysis
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS): common in explosive and narcotic detection due to its rapid response time and sensitivity to trace-level compounds
Mass spectrometry (MS): offers high specificity and sensitivity, especially when combined with liquid or gas chromatography. Used for complex mixtures and forensic-level analysis
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA): applied in environmental and toxicological assessments, especially for detecting heavy metals
Gas detectors: used for real-time monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), and flammable gases in HAZMAT and confined space scenarios
Radiation monitors: essential for detecting alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiation in nuclear or radiological incidents
X-ray and CT scanners: deployed at border checkpoints and airports for non-invasive screening of baggage and cargo. Systems like Agilent’s Insight integrate molecular spectroscopy to resolve alarms triggered by CT scans
PCR and biochemical detection: used in biosecurity contexts to identify pathogens or toxins, especially in suspected bioterrorism incidents
What is it that makes Raman-based technologies – and SORS in particular – a compelling choice for certain field applications?
High resolution Raman is very specific and enables detailed “fingerprinting” of unknown chemicals to be rapidly matched against an extensive compound database (library). Its insensitivity to moisture and particle size enhances its reliability, making it one of the primary analytical tools used – following initial air quality and/or radiation assessments.
Utilizing spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) systems in various scenarios is compelling for two reasons. First, their ability to analyze chemicals through opaque barriers allows safer measurement of a chemical within its container, eliminating the need for direct sampling and thus significantly reducing the risk of exposure. Second, some SORS systems use an advanced optical design that does not depend on a tightly focused laser spot, unlike many other Raman systems. Having a significantly broader laser spot (meaning greatly reduced power density for a given area) greatly reduces the risk of detonation or deflagration when measuring sensitive explosives.
Could you share examples that highlight how Raman or SORS technologies have made a tangible impact in the field?
Military applications include situations where, although many uses are classified, Raman and SORS technologies have proven effective in detecting explosives during critical operations. SORS is particularly valuable for technical exploitation, providing forensic insight into the composition of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before disruption or disposal.
In law enforcement, the UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing (including the national CBRN centre) has used these technologies to detect serious chemical threat materials during call-outs to suspect residential addresses. First responders have also deployed Raman spectroscopy to identify unknown tablets found near unconscious individuals.
Across customs and border force operations in various countries, Raman and SORS technologies have been instrumental in narcotics detection. One memorable case involved the use of Resolve to identify a concealed consignment of potent benzodiazepine (commonly identified as a date rape drug). A team member calculated the seizure amounted to approximately half a million doses, which was a sobering realization.
In emergency response and Hazmat scenarios, these technologies have supported numerous chemical incident responses, including road accidents, leaking packages, and port spillages. They help Hazmat teams quickly understand what they are dealing with and determine how to handle or clean up spilled chemicals.
From a technical standpoint, how far can we push through-barrier detection?
There is always room for improvement with any scientific instrumentation, especially as hardware and software continue to evolve.
Raman spectroscopy is a well-established technique which has been used for years, however there are several areas in which improvements could be made: form factor improvements such as miniaturization and ruggedization of systems are enabling more flexible deployment in field scenarios.
Library expansion continues apace and can be pushed further working with First Responders to help determine emerging threats and help combat them. Enhancing spectral libraries with broader, more diverse chemical signatures, improves the systems ability to identify unknowns with greater confidence.
Exploring the edge cases where Raman (traditionally a system for bulk measurement) can extend capability down to lower concentrations of material within a complex mixture. This is particularly relevant for forensic, narcotics and trace contamination scenarios.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers a possibility to detect lower concentrations or very small amounts of material, bridging the gap between bulk measurements and trace measurements. This opens up new possibilities for detecting trace explosives, chemical warfare agents, and low-dose narcotics.
Advances in AI and machine learning are beginning to play a role in enhancing signal interpretation, especially in noisy or ambiguous environments. These tools can help infer chemical identities even when spectral matches are incomplete or uncertain.
Ultimately, the success of more advanced through-barrier detection depends on a combination of optical innovation, material science, data analytics, and system integration. The goal is to deliver reliable, actionable insights in real time – without compromising safety or usability in the field.
To what extent are Raman-based tools being adapted for remote or robotic use?
Handheld Raman-based systems are increasingly being deployed on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to enable chemical detection in environments that pose risks to human operators. A critical requirement in these deployments is ensuring secure, interference-resistant remote control, typically via encrypted WiFi or other hardened communication protocols.
Successful integration depends on several factors. Devices must be robust and portable, with sufficient shock resistance to operate across varied terrains and climates. Optical precision is also essential, as technologies like SORS allow operatives to analyse substances through opaque barriers such as plastic, glass, or fabric without needing to open containers. Finally, real-time feedback is vital; integration with robotic platforms enables live chemical analysis from a safe distance, as demonstrated in explosive material detection trials using Raman instruments mounted on British Army deployed UGVs.
Looking ahead, are there any emerging approaches or trends set to play an important role in the evolution of field-deployable chemical analysis?
AI-enhanced signal processing could extend detection capabilities by identifying unknown chemicals not currently in the spectral library. By analysing similarities in spectral patterns, AI could infer likely matches, improving detection accuracy and confidence in complex or novel scenarios.
Multi-technique platforms which combine Raman with complementary technologies, offer the potential to cross-validate results and reduce uncertainty. Integrating multiple data streams from different analytical methods could lead to more robust decision-making in the field.
The long-term vision, or “holy grail” is a detection system capable of autonomously scanning an entire room for chemical threats, much like a narcotics or explosive sniffer dog, and then use that information to home in and accurately detect a specific chemical target even if it’s concealed behind a barrier.
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