A team of scientists at Michigan State University, lead by Marcos Dantus, has created a laser so sensitive that it can differentiate substances that are as small as a billionth of a gram. The team’s research was partially funded by the Department of Homeland Security because its findings bold well for protecting troops that are still working in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The laser that scientists have created can help detect road side bombs, which are responsible for 60% of the deaths in the two aforementioned countries. The laser was a challenge to develop because, aside from the explosive molecules that the laser was made to detect, many other types of molecules surround the target, which can confuse any possible detection technology.

The laser was originally intended for microscopic use and works by detecting the molecular structure of roadside bombs from a safe distance. Short and long pulses from the laser beam make molecules vibrate, giving them a distinct finger print that can be used to see whether or not they are harmful.

The team’s laser can be used in preventing roadside bombs as well as eliminating false alarms and the evacuations that accompany them. Marcos is seeking additional funding so that his laser technology can be field tested. Once he receives the additional funds, Marcos says that it would be a year before a fully functional unit is assembled. He also notes that the laser would be able to detect bombs from as far away as 330 feet.