Explosives sensor

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5633249

A compact and supersensitive device that can rapidly detect minute trace vapors from concealed explosives has been developed by scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The new explosives sensor can detect and chemically identify organic nitrogen-oxygen compounds which are the building blocks of explosives such as TNT, plastiques, and nitroglycerine. The device could be used to scan persons entering airport terminals, nuclear power plants, defense installations, or other sensitive locations, providing greater security against potential terrorism. This device works on a glow discharge principle, and is more specifically called an ''Atmospheric Sampling Glow Discharge Ionization'' (ASGDI) source. The new detector is a highly automated, miniaturized version of research mass spectrometers widely used to trace constituents of chemical mixtures. Detail of this device's construction and advantages are discussed in this paper. 2 figs.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5633249
• Report Number(s): ORNL/M-442; ORNL/M-391; ON: DE88002811
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
EXPLOSIVES
DETECTION
GLOW DISCHARGES
ION SOURCES
MASS SPECTROMETERS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
TIME-OF-FLIGHT METHOD
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
SPECTROMETERS
440300* - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)
450100 - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Chemical Explosions & Explosives