Application of a unique scheme for remote detection of explosives

We report on an application for remote detection of explosives containing nitro groups. This is a step forward in implementing a unique scheme introduced recently as a remote, real-time, detection tool. The scheme is applied to a system for 2,4,6-triniitrotoluene (TNT) vapor detection. The sensitivity of our systems is better than 15 parts per billion (ppb) for near ambient conditions (i.e. atmospheric pressure and explosive sample holder at temperature of 28 degreesC) and at a range of 2.5 in. The response time of the system is about 15 s. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.