Xsense: using nanotechnology to combine detection methods for high sensitivity handheld explosives detectors

In an effort to produce a handheld explosives sensor the Xsense project has been initiated at the Technical University of Denmark in collaboration with a number of partners. Using micro- and nano technological approaches it will be attempted to integrate four detection principles into a single device. At the end of the project, the consortium aims at having delivered a sensor platform consisting of four independent detector principles capable of detecting concentrations of TNT at sub parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations and with a false positive rate less than 1 parts-per-thousand. The specificity, sensitivity and reliability are ensured by the use of clever data processing , surface functionalisation and nanostructured sensors and sensor surfaces.