Paper
4 May 2007 Advances in Raman spectroscopy for explosive identification in aviation security
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
In the operational airport environment, the rapid identification of potentially hazardous materials such as improvised explosive devices, chemical warfare agents and flammable and explosive liquids is increasingly critical. Peroxide-based explosives pose a particularly insidious threat because they can be made from commonly available and relatively innocuous household chemicals, such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Raman spectroscopy has been validated as a valuable tool for rapid identification of chemicals, explosives, and narcotics and their precursors while allowing "line-of-sight" interrogation through bottles or other translucent containers. This enables safe identification of both precursor substances, such as acetone, and end-products, such as TATP, without direct sampling, contamination and exposure by security personnel. To date, Raman systems have been laboratory-based, requiring careful operation and maintenance by technology experts. The capital and ongoing expenses of these systems is also significant. Recent advances in Raman component technologies have dramatically reduced the footprint and cost, while improving the reliability and ease of use of Raman spectroscopy systems. Such technologies are not only bringing the lab to the field, but are also protecting civilians and security personnel in the process.
© (2007) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Javier D. Santillán, Christopher D. Brown, and Wayne Jalenak "Advances in Raman spectroscopy for explosive identification in aviation security", Proc. SPIE 6540, Optics and Photonics in Global Homeland Security III, 65400P (4 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.723067
Lens.org Logo
CITATIONS
Cited by 4 scholarly publications and 1 patent.
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Raman spectroscopy

Explosives

Chemical analysis

Liquids

Raman scattering

Homeland security

Scattering

Back to Top