title: A photoluminescence-based field method for detection of traces of explosives.
abstract: We report a photoluminescence-based field method for detecting traces of explosives. In its standard version, the method utilizes a commercially available color spot test kit for treating explosive traces on filter paper after swabbing. The colored products are fluorescent under illumination with a laser that operates on three C-size flashlight batteries and delivers light at 532 nm. In the fluorescence detection mode, by visual inspection, the typical sensitivity gain is a factor of 100. The method is applicable to a wide variety of explosives. In its time-resolved version, intended for in situ work, explosives are tagged with europium complexes. Instrumentation-wise, the time-resolved detection, again visual, can be accomplished in facile fashion. The europium luminescence excitation utilizes a laser operating at 355 nm. We demonstrate the feasibility of CdSe quantum dot sensitization of europium luminescence for time-resolved purposes. This would allow the use of the above 532 nm laser.
authors.affiliation: Center for Forensic Studies, Physics Department, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-1051, USA. Roland.Menzel@ttu.edu
authors.forename: E Roland
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Menzel
authors.forename: Laird W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Menzel
authors.forename: Jake R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Schwierking
mesh_terms: D001392:Azocines / Q000737:chemistry*; D003101:Collodion / Q000737:chemistry*; D004136:Dinitrobenzenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005063:Europium / Q000737:chemistry; D005107:Explosions; D006573:Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring / Q000737:chemistry*; D008024:Ligands; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000737:chemistry*; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D014227:Triazines / Q000737:chemistry*; D014303:Trinitrotoluene / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001392:Azocines; D004136:Dinitrobenzenes; D006573:Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring; D008024:Ligands; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014227:Triazines; D014303:Trinitrotoluene; D005063:Europium; D003101:Collodion; D005996:Nitroglycerin; C007950:octogen; C009160:cyclonite