London, November 3
Indian-origin physicists in Scotland have developed a simple laser test that they claim can help detect counterfeit Scotch whisky from a sample no bigger than 
a teardrop.

Three physicists at the University of St Andrews have devised a laser test to detect counterfeit Scotch and single malt whiskies, raising the possibility of clamping down on the fake liquor industry in India and elsewhere.

It is often remarked in Scotch whisky industry circles that more 'Scotch' is produced and sold in India than is produced in Scotland.

However, the Indian origin experts say the genuine Scotch can be detected from the fake one by using the power of lasers. Their research has been published in the journal Optic Express.

Using a ray of light the size of a human hair, the novel method can work out the brand, age and even which cask was used to create a single malt, from a sample no bigger than a teardrop, a university release said.

The research, which has been patented and is being presented to industry, was carried out by physicists Praveen Ashok, Kishan Dholakia and Bavishna Praveen.

Praveen explained: "Counterfeiting is rife in the drinks industry, which is constantly searching for new, powerful and inexpensive methods for liquor analysis. Using the power of light, we have adapted our technology to address a problem related to an industry which is a crucial part of Scottish culture and economy."

The research involves researchers placing a tiny amount of whisky on a transparent plastic chip no bigger than a credit card. Using optical fibres the width of a human hair, the whisky sample is illuminated by light using one fibre, and collected by another. — PTI