Standoff Detection of Explosive Residues Using Photothermal Microcantilevers

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2008 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2901145· OSTI ID:966726

Van Neste, Charles W ^[1]; Senesac, Larry R ^[1]; Yi, Dechang ^[1]; Thundat, Thomas George ^[1]

---

1. ORNL

Standoff detection of trace explosives is gaining attention due to its immediate relevance in countering terrorist threats based on explosive devices. However, most currently available standoff techniques rely on expensive, complex, and bulky equipment. We have demonstrated highly selective and sensitive standoff detection of explosive residues on surfaces by using photothermal spectroscopy carried out with bimaterial microcantilever sensors. The demonstrated sensitivity of the technique, 100 ng/cm{sup 2}, is sufficient to detect the explosive contamination generally found on explosive devices. The sensitivity of the technique can be further improved by optimizing the bimaterial cantilever and by using higher intensity infrared sources.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: NNSA USDOE - National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 966726
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 13 Vol. 92; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
DETECTION
RESIDUES
SENSITIVITY
SENSORS
SPECTROSCOPY
WEAPONS