Improvised explosive device detection

With a focus on trace forensic detection of explosives, especially for use in counterterrorism and to counter narcotics investigations, Fetterolf et al. [75] evaluated the use of ion mobility-mass spectrometry for explosives determinations. In this, explosives residues were collected on a membrane filter by a special attachment on a household vacuum cleaner. Although subsequent thermal desorption and analysis required only 5 s, fimits of detection for most common explosives were as low as 200 pg. The persistence of explosives on hands and transfer to other surfaces were also examined as were post-blast residues of NG on fragments of improvised explosive devices constructed with double-based smokeless powder. Finally, postblast residue from C-4, Semtex, and other explosives was found by IMS analyses on items of forensic and evidentiary value. These few out of many examples demonstrate that mobihty spectrometers are well suited tools for laboratory and on-site investigations, before and after the use of explosives. 

Current Fido development efforts and new explosives detection applications are directed toward cargo, vehicle, and personnel screening for covert explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In short, Fido is being considered for use in nearly all explosives detection application in which dogs have been used [11],... 

Recently, the topic of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has garnered a lot of attention. IEDs may take the form of roadside bombs, suicide bombers, or vehicle-borne bombs. Roadside bombs share some detection issues with land mines, and in principle, the NQR land mine detectors discussed in the previous section can be used to detect roadside IEDs. However, many IEDs are remotely controlled, and the short standoff distance available with NQR makes IED detection dangerous for the NQR operator. The personnel screening devices already discussed in Section 5.2.3. are applicable to the suicide bomber. 

C.J. Miller, D.F. Glenn, and S.D. Hartenstein, Detection of Explosives Contamination Using a Portal Monitor and Subsequent Mapping of Explosives Contamination Resulting from the Manufacture and Transport of Improvised Explosive Devices, INEEL/INT-2000-47, January 2000. 

Increased incidents of improvised explosive devices that make use of TATP have driven investigations into the analysis and characterization of this dangerous explosive. Mass spectrometry-based techniques have come to the forefront as a sensitive and selective analytical tool for the analysis of TATP. Innovative mass spectral techniques continue to emerge from research laboratories around the world and are likely to remain among the premier analytical methods for laboratory analysis of this emerging threat. Movement of mass spectral techniques out of the laboratory in the future will greatly assist the field detection of TATP and other analytes of forensic and security interests. The forensic and security needs alone point to the increased importance of mass spectrometry as an analytical tool in a century that is only getting started. 

Due to various changes in world circumstances, the threat of terrorism has become a serious problem for all countries. For example, military explosives are traded on the black market, and the general public has easy access to information on the assembly of improvised explosives via the Internet. In Japan, a high school student attacked a train station using an improvised explosive device (lED) several years ago. Therefore, to maintain a safe society, detection technologies for hidden explosive devices are in high demand [1-3]. 

Sensors and actuators can be used for the detection and signalling (light, sound, haptic feedback) of threats such as bombs, improvised explosive devices (lEDs), mortars, toxic gases or even unexpected attacks from enemies (Chapman, 2012). The sensors and actuators can be integrated into military uniforms, accessories or vehicles and linked to the warning systems. 

The focus of this chapter has been on commercial and military explosives, but the detection of improvised devices must also be considered. Peroxide explosives such as TATP and HMTD should also be incorporated into training protocols. Owing to the instability of peroxide explosives, extraordinary care must be taken in handling these explosives. It has been demonstrated that inert materials, such as stainless steel bars, can be stored with peroxide explosives and later removed and used as safe training materials [42], Additional research is needed to determine the odor mimics that might contain peroxide by-products which can be used as effective training aids free from the hazards of having to prepare and maintain peroxide explosives. 

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