A portable sensor for explosives (2011-2014)
Abstract
Improvised Explosive Devices are often hidden meaning that a detection system has to be able to find the bomb without physical or visual contact, and furthermore, since the hidden IED could be anywhere the detection system has to be portable. In this program we will develop a handheld sensor capable of sensing nitro-based explosives by fluorescence quenching. The handheld detector will be comprised of four components; an excitation source, a light detector, a method of drawing the analyte into the detector, and data processing to analyse and output the signal. The handheld detector will be optimised for speed and sensitivity of detection, robust performance, and simple usage.
