---
title: "Cobalt Light Systems RESOLVE-Handheld Through-Barrier ID System-Announced as R&D 100 Awards Finalist"
description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member."
url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers/cobalt-light-systems-resolve-handheld-through-barrier-id-system-announced-a"
date: "2026-07-30T21:09:05+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  Cobalt Light Systems RESOLVE-Handheld Through-Barrier ID System-Announced as R&D 100 Awards Finalist

 Written by Oliver Presly on 19 August 2016.

Cobalt’s Resolve™, a ground-breaking new handheld system that identifies hazardous materials through sealed opaque containers, has been named as a finalist in the 2016 R&D 100 Awards by R&D Magazine.
Resolve was launched in March 2016 for applications in Hazmat incident management, military search and EOD, first response, law enforcement, and screening at ports & borders.

Resolve uses Cobalt’s proprietary spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) technology to detect and identify chemicals through opaque barriers such as coloured and non-transparent plastics, dark glass, paper, card, sacks and fabric. Measured spectra are accurately matched to comprehensive onboard spectral libraries and the system identifies materials including; explosives and precursors, hazardous and toxic materials, chemical agents, narcotics and new psychoactive substances, plus thousands of benign chemicals.

Removing the need to open or move potentially hazardous containers can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of operations:
\- Hazards are contained, reducing the risk to operators and the public 
\- Objects can be examined quickly and efficiently – less time spent in protective gear 
\- Evidence is more easily preserved 
\- Better informed critical decisions can be made earlier in the operation

The R&D 100 Awards, known as the “Oscars of Invention”, are a celebration of the year’s top innovations in the R&D space. This year’s winners will be announced at a black-tie awards dinner on Nov. 3 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Oxon Hill, Maryland (Washington, D.C.).

To enquire about Resolve contact .

 [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical), [Military](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/military), [Explosive](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/explosive)

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