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Real‐Time Detection of Concealed Chemical Hazards Under Ambient Light Conditions Using R aman Spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Cletus Biju,
Olds William,
Fredericks Peter M.,
Jaatinen Esa,
Izake Emad L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12137
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , explosive material , hazardous waste , spectroscopy , raman scattering , materials science , ammunition , environmental science , nanotechnology , computer science , chemistry , optics , waste management , engineering , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , metallurgy
Current concerns regarding terrorism and international crime highlight the need for new techniques for detecting unknown and hazardous substances. A novel R aman spectroscopy‐based technique, spatially offset R aman spectroscopy ( SORS ), was recently devised for noninvasively probing the contents of diffusely scattering and opaque containers. Here, we demonstrate a modified portable SORS sensor for detecting concealed substances in‐field under different background lighting conditions. Samples including explosive precursors, drugs, and an organophosphate insecticide (chemical warfare agent surrogate) were concealed inside diffusely scattering packaging including plastic, paper, and cloth. Measurements were carried out under incandescent and fluorescent light as well as under daylight to assess the suitability of the probe for different real‐life conditions. In each case, it was possible to identify the substances against their reference R aman spectra in less than 1 min. The developed sensor has potential for rapid detection of concealed hazardous substances in airports, mail distribution centers, and customs checkpoints.