MURI Real Time, Explosive Specific Chemical Sensors: Spectroscopic and Time-Domain Detection of Trace Explosives in Condensed and Vapor Phases
Abstract
Under this MURI, research into the use of terahertz spectroscopy, femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, laser ionization-mass spectrometry and cavity ring-down spectroscopy for explosives detection was pursued. Fundamental studies have been completed that contribute to our understanding of explosives and how they behave when being sensed using the techniques selected for study. The highest level conclusion reached in this program is that all of the techniques have the ability to detect explosives in the environment - the critical issues that are still unresolved are the ultimate selectivities and sensitivities of these techniques. At this time, it is clear that the current sensitivities of terahertz techniques allow for detection of column/surface concentrations of approximately 10 micro-g/cm2, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy can detect at levels below 10 micro-g/cm2, and cavity ring-down spectroscopy can detect vapor phase concentrations below 1 ppb. While these levels of detection have been demonstrated through work in the MURI, more important results have been obtained that point in critical directions for the success of sensing schemes that might be pursued in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA482356
Entities
People
- James B. Spicer
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University