Explosive detection: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:40, 17 September 2024

Revision as of 21:47, 17 September 2024

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===Colorimetrics & automated colorimetrics===

The use of [[colorimetric]] test kits for explosive detection is one of the most established,simple simplestmethods for officers, and most widely used methodsmethod for the detection of explosives. Colorimetric detection of explosives involves applying a chemical reagent to an unknown material or sample and observing a [[color reaction]]. Common color reactions are known and indicate to the user if there is an explosive material present and in many cases the group of explosives from which the material is derived. The major groups of explosives are [[Nitroaromatic compound|nitroaromatic]], [[nitrate ester]], and [[Nitroamine|nitramine]] explosives, as well as inorganic nitrate-based explosives. Other groups include [[chlorate]]s and [[peroxide]]s which are not nitro based explosives. Since explosives usually contain nitrogen, detection often is based around spotting nitrogenous compounds. As a result, traditional colorimetric tests have a disadvantage: some explosive compounds (such as [[acetone peroxide]]) do not contain nitrogen and are therefore harder to detect.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Marshall |first1=Maurice |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/316212529 |title=Aspects of explosives detection |last2=Oxley |first2=Jimmie |date=2009 |publisher=[[Elsevier]] |isbn=978-0-08-092314-7 |edition=1st |___location=Amsterdam |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-374533-0.X0001-3 |oclc=316212529}}</ref>

===Dogs===

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The explosive detection canine was originated at the [[Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia|Metropolitan Police Department]] in Washington, D.C. in 1970, by then trainer Charles R. Kirchner.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Newlon |first=Clarke |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/881180 |title=Police Dogs in Action |date=1974 |publisher=[[Dodd, Mead & Co.]] |isbn=9780396069126 |___location=New York |oclc=881180}}</ref>

The explosive detection canine was first used in Algeria in 1959 under the command of [[General Constantine]].<ref>{{Citation |last1=Grandjean |first1=Dominique |title=Practical Guide for Sporting and Working Dogs |date=2000 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1052842687 |page=4 |publisher=[[Royal Canin]] |isbn=2-914193-02-5 |oclc=1052842687 |access-date=2022-09-20 |last2=Moquet |first2=Nathalie |last3=Pawlowiez |first3=Sandrine |last4=Tourtebatte |first4=Anne-Karen |last5=Jean |first5=Boris |last6=Bacqué |first6=Hélenè}}.</ref>

Recent studies suggest that [[Mass spectrometry|mass spectrometric]] [[Explosive vapor detector|vapor analysis techniques]], such as [[secondary electrospray ionization]] (SESI-MS), could support canine training for explosive detection.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ong|first1=Ta-Hsuan|last2=Mendum|first2=Ted|last3=Geurtsen|first3=Geoff|last4=Kelley|first4=Jude|last5=Ostrinskaya|first5=Alla|last6=Kunz|first6=Roderick|date=2017-06-09|title=Use of Mass Spectrometric Vapor Analysis To Improve Canine Explosive Detection Efficiency|journal=[[Analytical Chemistry (journal)|Analytical Chemistry]]|volume=89|issue=12|pages=6482–6490|doi=10.1021/acs.analchem.7b00451|pmid=28598144|issn=0003-2700}}</ref>

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===X-ray machines===

Specially designed [[X-ray machine]]s using [[computed axial tomography]] can detect explosives by looking at the density of the items.. These systems that are furnished with dedicated software, containing an explosives threat library and [[false-color]] coding to assist operators with their dedicated threat resolution protocols.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wells |first1=K. |last2=Bradley |first2=D.A. |date=2012 |title=A review of X-ray explosives detection techniques for checked baggage |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.01.011 |journal=Applied Radiation and Isotopes |volume=70 |issue=8 |pages=1729–1746 |doi=10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.01.011 |pmid=22608981 |issn=0969-8043}}</ref> X-ray detection is also used to detect related components such as [[detonator]]s, but this can be foiled if such devices are hidden inside other electronic equipment.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.newscientist.com/channel/tech/weapons/dn9715|title=Analysis: Explosive detection technologies| first =Will | last = Knight|date=10 August 2006 |magazine=[[New Scientist]] news service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920215223/https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9715-analysis-explosive-detection-technologies/ |archive-date=20 September 2022}}</ref>

Adding [[chemical marker|marker]] substances (X-ray opacifiers) to commercial explosives is also an option.<ref>National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 1998. Containing the Threat from Illegal Bombings: An Integrated National Strategy for Marking, Tagging, Rendering Inert, and Licensing Explosives and Their Precursors. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. [[doi:10.17226/5966]].</ref>

===Neutron activation===