Meet George Dwapanyin. Using optical techniques to verify and authenticate alcoholic drinks without opening the bottle or wasting a drop. The TeamThe team consists of researchers from the Optical Manipulation Group within the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews. The members have over 30 years cumulative experience in optics and photonics. Graham Bruce is a senior researcher and laboratory manager. A graduate of St Andrews, his main expertise is harnessing light for measurement applications. He has applied this to a variety of topics over two decades, including developing techniques for Quantum Technologies, in Biophotonics investigations, such as assessing the health of developing embryos and applied spectroscopy projects, including whisky authentication and detecting toxic pigments in old books. His work has been recognised by major awards, including STEM for Britain and the Museums and Heritage Awards. George Dwapanyin is a research fellow. His PhD, awarded by Stellenbosch University, led to the first real world application of time-domain ptychography in nonlinear imaging. His research in digital holographic microscopy also led to the world-first 3D holographic images of developing embryos. His current research deals with applications of Raman spectroscopy in the food and liquor industries. George is a strong advocate for scientific communications and was honoured by Optica with an Optica Ambassador status in recognition of his community engagements.Stella Corsetti is a postdoctoral research fellow. She received her BSc degree in biomedical engineering, her MSc degree in bio-nanotechnology engineering from the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” and her PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Aberdeen. Her research has spanned single particle optical manipulation techniques; Raman and infrared spectroscopy to study hydrocarbon phase transitions, drug discovery and medical diagnostics; and the use of advanced optical, spectroscopic and imaging techniques for biomedical applications and medical diagnostics. ProblemIllicit and counterfeit alcohol pose risks to health, income and brand reputation. Around 25% of global alcoholic drinks are illicit, and the EU loses €3bn annually to counterfeit wines and spirits. Current analytical methods deployed by authenticators are invasive and damage the product. This is particularly problematic for old and rare samples. We propose to catch counterfeit alcohol by using a technology that verifies the content of the bottles without opening them. Solution Our solution lies in the use of optical techniques. While other methods can chemically profile samples, only optical methods allow this to be done without breaching the bottle. It is uniquely capable of maximising signal from the contents while eliminating signal from the bottle, allowing a non-invasive and non-damaging method of authentication inside sealed bottles. This is capable of brand identification and also detecting levels of possible harmful contents present in illicit products. ContactGeorge Dwapanyin, PhD, MInstP | LinkedIn This article was published on 2025-10-28
