Faculty of Mathematics, Physics
and Informatics
Comenius University Bratislava

HIGH-SENSITIVITY DETECTION OF SUBSTANCES AND THE SECRET OF COMET 67P

Prof. Matejčík and Dr. Országh for Radio Slovakia International presented the research of the Division of Plasma Physics at the Department of Experimental Physics, FMPH CU focused on advanced diagnostic methods


20. 11. 2018 22.08 hod.
By: Veronika Medvecká

Prof. Matejčík and Dr. Országh for Radio Slovakia International presented the research of the Division of Plasma Physics at the Department of Experimental Physics, FMPH CU focused on advanced diagnostic methods - the application of Ion Mobility Spectrometry for detecting explosives but also choosing the right oak wood for whiskey production and using the study of electron-molecule reactions to explain astronomical measurements realized during European Space Agency mission Rosetta to study the molecules present in the coma of the comet 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Sniffing for bombs and whiskey barrels

First bombs, then whiskey? Slovak researchers have found a novel new use for technology which has been used to 'sniff' for explosives in airports. It's called Ion Mobility Spectrometry, and now it has a new commercial application: detecting the very best oak wood to be used for the highest quality whiskey. Professor Štefan Matejčík at Comenius University explains how the technology works, and how it's ready to be deployed in the booming whiskey market.

Sniffing for bombs and whiskey barrels
 

Uncovering the secrets of comet 67P

Soaring silently through space at 38 kilometres every second, the comet known as 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko had secrets that needed to be uncovered. The solution, according to the European Space Agency, was the famous Rosetta mission, which involved landing a probe on the surface of this duck-shaped rock in the depths of space. The mission was an incredible success, but the work continues, four years later. The data recovered from the Philae lander is still being verified, with the help of Slovak researchers, as you'll find out.

Uncovering the secrets of comet 67P