Laser photofragmentation/fragment detection studies on energetic materials

V. Swayambunathan; Gurbax Singh; Rosario C. Sausa

doi:10.1117/12.337464

22 January 1999 Laser photofragmentation/fragment detection studies on energetic materials

V. Swayambunathan, Gurbax Singh, Rosario C. Sausa

Proceedings Volume 3535, Advanced Sensors and Monitors for Process Industries and the Environment; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.337464
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A sensitive technique based on laser photofragmentation/fragment detection spectrometry is reported for the trace detection of energetic materials such as TNT, PETN, and RDX. A single laser operating near 227 nm is used for both the photofragmentation of the parent molecule and detection of the characteristic NO fragment via its A-X transitions near 227 nm. The fragment detection methods employed are resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization with miniature electrodes and laser-induced fluorescence with a photodetector. Experiments are also conducted in the visible region using 454-nm radiation for photofragmentation and fragment detection. The application of this technique in the trace analysis of the above- mentioned compounds at ambient pressure is demonstrated with limits of detection in the range of sub- to low parts-per- million for a 20-sec integration time and 20-120 (mu) J of laser energy at 227 nm and approximately 5 mJ at 454 nm. An increase in detecting sensitivity is projected with an increase in laser energy and an improved system design.

Citation Download Citation

V. Swayambunathan, Gurbax Singh, and Rosario C. Sausa "Laser photofragmentation/fragment detection studies on energetic materials", Proc. SPIE 3535, Advanced Sensors and Monitors for Process Industries and the Environment, (22 January 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.337464

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