A Review Of Technology For Detection Of Explosives

James H. Henry

doi:10.1117/12.955473

20 September 1977 A Review Of Technology For Detection Of Explosives

James H. Henry

Proceedings Volume 0108, Optics in Security and Law Enforcement I; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955473
Event: 1977 SPIE/SPSE Technical Symposium East, 1977, Reston, United States

Abstract

Approximately 2000 cases of illegal use of explosives take place every year in the U.S. Many of these are probably not preventable. However it is now possible to detect explosives in particular situations or scenarios where importance or vulnerability are high. Some of the possible characteristics or signatures of explosives that might make them more detectable are reviewed--particularly vapors and compositions. An example is given of the transport of explosive vapors through baggage to show the magnitude of the detectables and the uncertainties involved. A number of technologies that have been applied and some that are under investigation are presented. Progress has been made in increasing the sensitivity of instruments to detect some commercial explosives. The plasma chromatograph is technically the most promising device for routine explosive vapor detection because of its potential high sensitivity, specificity and ability to sense for a number of explosive vapors simultaneously.

Citation Download Citation

James H. Henry "A Review Of Technology For Detection Of Explosives", Proc. SPIE 0108, Optics in Security and Law Enforcement I, (20 September 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955473

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