A LASER technology being developed by Adelaide University could soon help authorities detect deadly counterfeit alcohol, expose wine fraud and identify dangerous chemicals inside sealed bottles without opening them.
The breakthrough follows research by the University of St Andrews in Scotland and Adelaide University, showing a specially designed laser system can detect toxic methanol hidden inside unopened spirit bottles, including through coloured glass.
Methanol poisoning remains a serious global health issue, with counterfeit alcohol linked to deaths, blindness and permanent injuries. Current testing methods often require bottles to be opened and analysed in laboratories.
The new technique uses Raman spectroscopy to read the unique chemical fingerprint of liquids through their packaging. By combining advanced laser shaping and wavelength adjustments, researchers improved the system’s ability to detect tiny amounts of methanol while reducing interference from the bottle.
Adelaide University physicist Dr Ralf Mouthaan said the technology had potential far beyond alcohol safety. “Being able to identify the contents of a sealed bottle without opening it has enormous potential,” he said.
Researchers are adapting the technology to help combat wine fraud, detect food contamination, identify counterfeit perfumes and allow hazardous chemicals to be identified safely.
The team has already captured unique optical fingerprints of wine through bottles, offering a possible new tool against a global wine fraud problem estimated to cost billions of dollars annually.
Joint PhD candidate Ané Kritzinger, who led the methanol research published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, said the technology’s versatility was one of its greatest strengths.
“Once you can accurately identify the molecular fingerprint of a liquid through its packaging, there are countless possibilities,” she said. Adelaide University is also preparing a $10 million research program.