6.4.2 A Particle Sampler for Trace Detection of Explosives

Event
14th International Meeting on Chemical Sensors - IMCS 2012
2012-05-20 - 2012-05-23
Nürnberg/Nuremberg, Germany
Chapter
6.4 Sensors for Explosives
Author(s)
S. Beer, G. Müller - EADS Innovation Works (Germany), J. Wöllenstein - University of Freiburg, IMTEK (Germany)
Pages
553 - 554
DOI
10.5162/IMCS2012/6.4.2
ISBN
978-3-9813484-2-2
Price
free

Abstract

We present our developments toward a handheld field-ready trace explosives detection system using an electrostatic particle sampler with an integrated thermal desorber. Particle sampling with subsequent thermal desorption is used to overcome the problem of low vapor pressure of explosives. A degree of selectivity toward high electron affinity, characteristic for most explosives, is demonstrated experimentally. This reduces the detection background and improves the system performance. Detection is shown in applications of the sampler to both commercial detectors as well as novel miniaturized sensors.

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