Laser-based technology being developed at the University of Adelaide could soon allow authorities to detect dangerous counterfeit alcohol, expose wine fraud and even identify dangerous chemicals in sealed bottles without ever opening them.
The breakthrough builds on newly published research carried out at the University of St Andrews in Scotland in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, which demonstrated that a specially designed laser system could detect toxic methanol hidden inside unopened spirits bottles, even through tinted glass.
While the latest research focuses on identifying dangerous methanol contamination in whiskey and other spirits, University of Adelaide researchers are already extending the technology into new areas that have the potential to protect consumers and support Australian industry.
Methanol poisoning remains a serious global health problem, killing hundreds of people each year and leaving many more blind or permanently injured. Counterfeit alcohol can often only be detected by opening the bottle and performing expensive laboratory tests.
New optical technology changes that.
Using a sophisticated form of sensing known as Raman spectroscopy, researchers can read a liquid’s unique chemical “fingerprint” through its packaging.
By combining two advanced optical techniques: carefully shaping the laser beam and subtly changing its wavelength during the measurement, the team dramatically increased the system’s ability to detect trace amounts of methanol while removing interference from the bottle itself.
The technology can detect concentrations of methanol approximately 10 times lower than internationally recognized safety limits and provides a rapid, non-destructive alternative to traditional clinical testing.
University of Adelaide physicist Dr Ralph Mousserne from the Center of Light for Life said the research opened the door to a wider range of applications beyond alcohol safety.
The ability to identify the contents of sealed bottles without opening them has great potential.
The University of Adelaide is currently applying this technology to address issues that directly impact Australian industry, such as wine certification, food quality and product safety. ”
Dr Ralph Mousserne, Physicist, University of Adelaide
Researchers have already demonstrated that it is possible to capture wine’s unique optical fingerprint through the bottle, creating a potential new weapon against wine fraud, which is estimated to cost the global wine industry billions of dollars each year.
The researchers are also investigating whether the technology could detect trace amounts of pesticide contamination in olive oil, identify counterfeit perfumes, and allow law enforcement to determine whether a bottle contains dangerous chemicals without opening it.
This research also has great potential for Australia’s agricultural sector. The University of Adelaide, in collaboration with collaborators from the University of Technology Sydney and Murdoch University, is preparing to launch a more than $10 million research program that will apply related laser sensing technology to support Australia’s grain industry.
Ane Kritzinger, a joint PhD candidate with the University of Adelaide and the University of St Andrews, led the methanol research and recently Physics Journal: Photonics
Kritzinger said the technology’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths.
“If you can pinpoint the molecular fingerprint of a liquid through a package, the possibilities are endless,” she says.
“We are interested in applying the same principles to industries that require fast, reliable, non-invasive methods to verify the contents of sealed containers.”
Dr Moussin said the newly published research is an important milestone towards a practical real-world device.
“Our goal is to develop technology that can be taken from the laboratory to places where we can make a real difference, such as customs offices, distilleries, food manufacturers, and quality assurance facilities,” said Dr. Moussin.
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Reference magazines:
Kritzinger, A. Others. (2026) Non-invasive Raman spectroscopy with wavefront shaping and wavelength modulation for the determination of methanol in bottled spirits. Journal of Physics: Photonics. DOI: 10.1088/2515-7647/ae6c78. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7647/ae6c78
