Technology

Raman

Portendo’s detection methods are based on Raman scattering which provides a unique molecular signature enabling selective identification. The Raman scattering is triggered by energizing the substance with directed energy from laser beams. Different techniques are used to enhance the otherwise weak Raman signal.

(C.V.Raman was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery).

In Stand-off Detection unknown substances are detected and identified at a safe distance between the object and the detector/operator.

To identify an unknown substance a laser beam is aimed at the object and the Raman scatter of the reflected light is detected and analyzed. The resulting signature is matched with a database enabling identification of the unknown substance.

Portendo uses proprietary, patent-applied enhancements to Raman spectroscopy to achieve performance improvements of several orders of magnitude.

Research Projects

Portendo participates in two governmentally funded research projects:

	LOTUS (Localization of Threats in the Urban Society) is a research project sponsored by the European Union seventh framework programme in the Security Research program. The LOTUS concept is aimed at detecting precursors to explosives over a wide urban area. Read more at the Lotus page at FOI.
	DETEX (Detection of Explosives) is a three-year research project sponsored by Vinnova within the Swedish security research program. DETEX aims at detection of explosives at a distance of 30 meters. Portendo and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) are the main participants together with SAAB Systems, Karlstad University, Blekinge Institute of Technology and Lund University.