Application of micro-Raman spectroscopy for fight against terrorism and smuggling

Salvatore Almaviva; Sabina Botti; Antonio Palucci; Adriana Puiu; Frank Schnürer; Wenka Schweikert; Francesco Saverio Romolo

doi:10.1117/1.OE.53.4.044113

29 April 2014 Application of micro-Raman spectroscopy for fight against terrorism and smuggling

Salvatore Almaviva, Sabina Botti, Antonio Palucci, Adriana Puiu, Frank Schnürer, Wenka Schweikert, Francesco Saverio Romolo

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 53, Issue 4, 044113 (April 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.53.4.044113

Abstract

We report the results of Raman measurements on some common military explosives and explosives precursors deposited on clothing fabrics, both synthetic and natural, in concentration comparable to those obtained from a single fingerprint or mixed with similar harmless substances to detect illegal compounds for smuggling activities. Raman spectra were obtained using an integrated portable Raman system equipped with an optical microscope and a 785-nm laser in an analysis of <1 min . The spectral features of each illicit substance have been identified and distinguished from those belonging to the substrate fabric or from the interfering compound. Our results show that the application of Raman spectroscopy (RS) with a microscope-based portable apparatus can provide interpretable Raman spectra for a fast, in-situ analysis, directly from explosive particles of some μm ³ , despite the contribution of the substrate, leaving the sample completely unaltered for further, more specific, and propedeutic laboratory analysis. We also show how the RS is suitable for detecting illegal compounds mixed with harmless substances for smuggling purposes or for counterfeiting activities.

Citation Download Citation

Salvatore Almaviva, Sabina Botti, Antonio Palucci, Adriana Puiu, Frank Schnürer, Wenka Schweikert, and Francesco Saverio Romolo "Application of micro-Raman spectroscopy for fight against terrorism and smuggling," Optical Engineering 53(4), 044113 (29 April 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.53.4.044113

Published: 29 April 2014

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