NanoSniffer Explosive Trace Detector (ETD)

The NanoSniffer is an explosive trace detector built on Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) microsensor technology developed by NanoSniff Technologies, an IIT Bombay-incubated company, and distributed through Vehant Technologies. Its operating principle — micro-differential scanning calorimetry — measures the exothermic and endothermic thermal signatures of explosive compounds as they decompose on a heated microsensor surface, enabling classification into discrete explosive families rather than simply triggering a generic alarm. A swipe sample is collected from the surface of a bag, garment, or person's hands using a collection swab, then inserted into the analyser; a result is returned in approximately 8 seconds. The instrument resolves explosive concentrations below 10 nanograms — sub-trace quantities consistent with indirect transfer from handling — and maintains a false positive rate below 3%, a critical performance threshold for high-throughput aviation lanes where secondary screening diversion has a direct impact on dwell time and passenger flow. The system detects compounds across the full operational threat spectrum: nitramines (RDX, HMX), nitroesters (PETN), nitroaromatics (TNT), peroxide-based explosives (TATP), inorganic nitrates with fuel oil (ANFO-class), smokeless powders, and plastic explosives. This breadth is operationally significant in the GCC and wider MENA threat environment, where the improvised explosive device (IED) palette spans both military-grade and precursor-blended compounds. The desktop-portable form factor (3.8 kg, 360 × 150 × 260 mm) is suited to primary screening lanes, secondary inspection bays, and rapid-deployment checkpoint configurations. Battery operation provides over four hours of cordless use. The device stores 12,000 test records internally with USB export. Sensitivity validated by India's DRDO/HEMRL; commercially deployed across more than 60 Indian airports under an Airports Authority of India framework contract.