Security and Defence Applications

It also accommodates a flash GC interface for more detailed analyses using the optional El source. The combination of PI and El in a single instrument offers the flexibility to conduct rapid screens of mixtures by PI and subsequently confirm the analysis by GC-EI MS. It is capable of direct analysis of air, liquid and soil samples. 

The Model 4300 zNose is a portable GC that can detect and measure levels of many types of vapours, toxins, explosives, narcotics and other compounds. It is the first GC to be based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. The battery pack allows field operation for six hours. Analysis time is between 1-60 seconds and sensitivity is low ppb for most compounds with a precision of 5 % RSD. The combined weight of the sampler, chassis and charger is 14.6 kg. 

Even smaller than the handheld devices above is a newly developed pen-like device which can detect sub-milligramme amounts of peroxide-based explosives . The prototype costs less than 23 per unit. A suspect sample is placed on a silicone rubber test pad. Three test chemicals are sequentially injected into the transparent chamber in the pen and a blue-green colour change occurs on reaction with any peroxide present in the sample within three seconds. 

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Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Biophotonics From Fundamental Principles to Health, Environment, Security and Defence Applications Ottawa, Canada 29 September - 9 October 2004... 

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