Standoff LIBS detection of explosive residues behind a barrier

Abstract

Development studies reveal that explosives detection is possible behind a barrier placed between a target and a standoff LIBS sensor. Barriers such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and a variety of glasses have been tested. Results for the detection of organic (DNT, TNT, C4 and H15) and inorganic (sodium chlorate) explosive residues placed up to 30 m from the sensor are presented. The standoff experiments have been evaluated in the emission (studies on laser beam transmission sent by the sensor) and collection (studies on plasma light emission collected by the sensor) channels. These experiments open wide perspectives for the detection of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) through windows located, for instance, inside vehicles, industrial warehouses and buildings where explosive residues have been produced, handled, stored or prepared.