ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

In Situ Detection and Identification of Trace Explosives by Raman Microscopy
Cheng, C
The University of Leeds,

Batchelder, DN
The University of Leeds,

Lacey, RJ
Police Scientific Development Branch, Hertfordshire

Kirkbride, TE
The University of Leeds,

Sheldon, TG
Police Scientific Development Branch, Hertfordshire

(Received 22 April 1994; accepted 17 June 1994)

Abstract

The innovative design of the newly developed Renishaw Raman Microscope system and its application to the in situ detection and identification of plastic explosives contained in fingerprint samples are presented. Raman microscopy is a nondestructive inspection method. Our experimental results show that Raman spectra and Raman band images can be obtained from explosive particles as small as 1 µm³ in size or 1 picogram in mass. After exploring the full potential of the Raman microscopic technique, the aim of this research is to develop a real-time and field-deployable plastic explosive detection system.

Keywords:
forensic science, criminalistics, Raman microscopy, plastic explosive, fingerprint examination

Paper ID: JFS13756J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13756J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.