Detection of explosives by ion mobility spectroscopy has become common in recent years. We demonstrate explosive detection with a novel Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometer (LIMS) developed at EADS Innovation Works. A Laser operating at 266nm was used for the two-photon ionisation of dopant and calibrant substances. Quantitative measurements of trace residues of explosives have been performed to quantify the sensitivity of the LIMS system. Findings demonstrate the suitability of this technique as a screening tool for explosive compounds.

Date Published: 8 May 2009
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 7304, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing X, 73041H (8 May 2009); doi: 10.1117/12.820856

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7304:
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing X
Augustus W. Fountain III; Patrick J. Gardner, Editor(s)