Artificial sniffer using linear ion trap technology

We are the leading partner in the SNIFFLES project, which is a collaborative FP7 project among nine European academic and industrial partners. The aim of the project is to develop a portable artificial sniffer for EU border control using linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LIT-MS). LIT technology offers high-sensitivity MS analysis, fast detection and low maintenance costs. The LIT-MS sniffer device is intended to complement the work of sniffer dogs for detection of hidden persons and illegal substances. If successful, the artificial sniffer will provide fast, accurate, sensitive, reliable, user-friendly and cost-effective method for detection of targeted substances. In this way, the EU's borders will remain permeable and efficient for legitimate travellers and goods, while being an effective barrier to cross-border crime. Apart from significant impact on EU's security, SNIFFLES also has the potential for exploitation of international markets.

Acknowledgement
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme managed by Research Executive Agency (REA) ([FP7/2007-2013]) under grant agreement no. [285045].