A prototype solution is being developed at the Jagiellonian University (UJ) in Krakow that will recognise submerged materials deemed potentially hazardous in a way that is safe for sappers and scientists.

The invention was developed by a team of Dr Michał Silarski and Prof. Paweł Moskal from the Institute of Physics at the Jagiellonian University. The scientists have demonstrated that by using a neutron gun, it is possible to determine what elements substances are composed of in objects that lie at the bottom of water bodies. 

This will make it possible to precisely determine the elemental composition of the submerged substance and identify it on this basis. Based on this information, it will be known how to proceed further, how to secure and neutralise the hazardous material. 

The detector from the UJ is to use a neutron gun of small size. The entire device will be no bigger than a suitcase.

Currently, the team at the Jagiellonian University’s CITTRU Technology Transfer Centre is looking for a technology partner with whom to market the new solution.