Pre-Resonance Raman Spectroscopy-Based Explosives Detector

A pre-resonance Raman spectroscopy based explosives detection system has been developed using UV laser at wavelength 266 nm having pulse energy of 30 mJ and repetition rate of 20 Hz. A 4-inch UV-enhanced collection optics and back-thinned UV-enhanced charged coupled device (CCD) coupled spectrometer has been used for analysis of the Raman signal. Spectral peak matching software has been developed indigenously for identification of explosives. A compact, tripod mounted and man-portable Raman system is developed for field applications. The system has capability to detect explosives and explosive derivatives over a range up to 40 m and has a sensitivity of 0.1% weight/volume.