In the operational airport environment, the rapid identification of potentially
hazardous materials such as improvised explosive devices, chemical warfare agents and
flammable and explosive liquids is increasingly critical. Peroxide-based explosives pose
a particularly insidious threat because they can be made from commonly available and
relatively innocuous household chemicals, such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
Raman spectroscopy has been validated as a valuable tool for rapid identification of
chemicals, explosives, and narcotics and their precursors while allowing "line-of-sight"
interrogation through bottles or other translucent containers. This enables safe
identification of both precursor substances, such as acetone, and end-products, such as
TATP, without direct sampling, contamination and exposure by security personnel.
To date, Raman systems have been laboratory-based, requiring careful operation
and maintenance by technology experts. The capital and ongoing expenses of these
systems is also significant. Recent advances in Raman component technologies have
dramatically reduced the footprint and cost, while improving the reliability and ease of
use of Raman spectroscopy systems. Such technologies are not only bringing the lab to
the field, but are also protecting civilians and security personnel in the process.
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