Open AccessStandoff Detection of Explosives at 1 m using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Manoj Kumar Gundawar,
Rajendhar Junjuri,
Ashwin Kumar Myakalwar
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
defence science journal/defence science journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.198
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 0976-464X
pISSN - 0011-748X
DOI - 10.14429/dsj.67.11498
Subject(s) - laser induced breakdown spectroscopy , plasma , explosive material , analytical chemistry (journal) , spectroscopy , electron density , materials science , laser , span (engineering) , atomic physics , chemistry , optics , physics , chromatography , nuclear physics , civil engineering , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , engineering
We report the ‘standoff detection’ of explosives at 1 m in laboratory conditions, for the first time in India, using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis. The spectra of a set of five secondary explosives were recorded at a distance of 1 m from the focusing as well as collection optics. The plasma characteristics viz., plasma temperature and electron density were estimated from Boltzmann statistics and Stark broadening respectively. Plasma temperature was estimated to be of the order of (10.9 ± 2.1) .103 K and electron density of (3.9 ± 0.5) .1016 cm-3. Using a ratiometric approach, C/H and H/O ratios showed a good correlation with the actual stoichiometric ratios and a partial identification success could be achieved. Finally employing principle component analysis, an excellent classification could be attained.