R.N. Gillanders, E.B. Ogugu, G.A. Turnbull
University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
Keywords: Explosives, IEDs, trace chemical detection, portable instrumentation
Trace detection of explosives in the field is a challenging task, particularly in crowded areas or outdoor environments - existing methods can be expensive and require extensive user training, typically with the requirement for a high level of consumable transportation and use. We have developed portable, handheld technology for the real-time detection of explosives, with the sensor element based on light-emitting thin polymer films that can be tuned to specific targets like TNT or DNT. We have demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity of the sensors, with the added potential to reuse the films over several cycles. These sensors can be used in the vapour phase (e.g. headspace in luggage) or the aqueous phase (e.g. in water for port security), with real explosives having been detected from landmines in a test minefield and with IEDs at a military site. The technology has dual applicability in defence and industry, particularly security for public infrastructure including airports, railway stations, sports arenas, and shopping centres. Our aspiration is to contribute to a step-change in defence technology using cutting-edge light-emitting explosive chemical sensors with global applications and relevance.