The detection of hazardous and explosive substances is currently the key topic in the field of security research. Recent terrorist attacks have almost exclusively been carried out with explosives. There is therefore a significant need for the early detection of explosive substances to help prevent attacks. In order to detect the smallest possible traces of explosives both in the gas phase and on surfaces, highly-sensitive detection processes are necessary.
Beside the processes available at the ICT (listed below), the Institute cooperates with other Fraunhofer Institutes in the context of the Fraunhofer Initiative OFDEX ("Optical Stand-Off Detection of Explosives"). This cooperation occurs in the fields of absorption spectroscopy with highly adjustable MIR lasers and UV-Raman spectroscopy.
Facilities and equipment
Infrared spectroscopy (NIR/MIR) of explosives in the gas phase
- FTIR-spectroscopic substance identification in transmission and reflection using comprehensive material data bases
- Heatable gas cells with different optical path lengths
IR detection of traces of explosives on surfaces, and detection of liquid explosives
- Diffuse reflection
- ATR techniques
Gas chromatography with mass-selective detection (GC-MSD)
- Automated head-space injections
- Substance identification by retention time and mass spectrum
Unique fluorescent behaviour of explosives
UV photo fragmentation of explosives
- Fragmentation of explosives with laser pulses
- Spectroscopic detection of fragmentation products
Measurement of realistic concentrations and production of defined reference samples
- Metallising systems for different explosives
- Investigation of environmental influences (e.g. air moisture)
- Piezoelectric nano-plotter to generate defined layers
Our offer
- Generation of characteristic and material-specific fundamental data
- Determination of realistic surface and gas concentrations and generation of suitable reference samples
- Development of characterisation strategies and detection processes for explosives
