A JU scientist is constructing an innovative device that will detect dangerous unexploded bombs in the Baltic Sea.

Amongst the 35 winners of the ‘Leader’ contest organised by the National Centre for Research and Development is a project entitled ‘Construction of a prototype mobile device for non-invasive detection of dangerous substances in the water’. Its author is Dr Michał Silarski from the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science. Its main aim is to aid the military and pipeline companies.

Funds secured, course set

Thanks to the funding he secured by winning in the contest, Dr Michał Silarski will be able to construct a device that will facilitate detection of unexploded bombs in the depths of the Baltic Sea. ‘The idea of substituting man with machine isn’t a new one, but building the actual device posed some difficulties. We plan to use fast neutrons to see what’s inside a box without opening it’, said the researcher in his interview for Radio Kraków.

The unexploded ordnance (UXO) which has been dumped into the Baltic Sea during and after World War II is still very much dangerous. There have been some cases in the past where people have been burnt by gas, which they have mistaken for amber. Sarin or mustard gas are just two examples of dangerous substances that can be found in the waters of the Baltic Sea. As of now, they can only be detected by radar. However, the radar can only show the shape of an object, and not its contents. It’s therefore necessary to send a diver to examine the object.

‘The device we’ll build will be able to determine what’s inside of a container. However, defusing bombs or decontaminating the environment is something else entirely’, explained Dr Silarski. Nevertheless, it will still be much safer than opening the container manually to see if it’s dangerous.

Underwater drone

But how exactly will it work? The device will generate fast neurons through the use of hydrogen isotopes – deuterium and tritium. Such neurons possess several megaelectronvolts of energy. ‘These neutrons do not interact with matter. Instead, they induce the nuclei of the examined container’s contents, which lead to emission of characteristic gamma quanta (high-energy light)’, elaborated Dr Silarski.

‘Every nucleus or chemical element emits gamma quanta of a particular energy. So, every element has a certain electromagnetic spectrum. Based on that spectrum, we’ll be able to tell what atoms – what chemical elements – are inside. Then, we’ll be able to determine whether an object is dangerous or not’,  said the researcher.

The detector will likely have the form of a small submersible. It’s not certain if the device will be wireless or not. If it’s the latter, the submersible could be operated from and powered by a ship. The device will feature two tubes with gamma quantum and neutron emitters. It will likely be small enough to fit into a briefcase.

The scientists estimate that they’ll be able to conduct first tests in the Baltic Sea about three years from now.

Original text: www.nauka.uj.edu.pl