Deep UV resonance Raman spectroscopy for standoff explosive detection (Conference Presentation)

Due to its high sensitivity and selectivity, UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy has a number of scientific and industrial applications. Deep UVRR excited within explosive absorption bands (200 – 230 nm) enables trace explosive detection at a distance due to the resonance enhancement of Raman band intensities, stronger light scattering at short wavelengths, as well as negligible florescence interference. We are developing deep UVRR detection methodologies by investigating resonance enhancement of explosives excited in the deep UV, determining the optimal excitation wavelengths, investigating explosive UV-photochemistry, characterizing explosive UV photoproducts, and measuring UVRR spectral evolution during explosive photolysis. We are also developing state-of-the-art UVRR instrumentation by designing and manufacturing high efficiency, high throughput standoff UVRR spectrometers, co-developing new compact solid state deep UV lasers, and designing novel deep UV optical diffracting devices.