RDX Remote Detection on NATO SET-237 Samples

Abstract

Ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy measurements have been performed at DLR Lampoldshausen to detect NATO SET-237 standard samples of RDX. The goal was to quantify the minimum requirements for an unambiguous identification in remote detection (60 cm distance) arrangement using simple and robust spectroscopic equipment on well-defined distribution of explosives on surfaces. Therefore, Raman spectra of RDX have been acquired for different sample concentrations (50, 250, and 1000 μg/cm2 respectively) and under several laser energies (1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 mJ/pulse respectively) at 355 nm excitation wavelength. The lowest producible surface concentration (50 µg/cm2) was detected with excitation energy of 3 mJ/pulse in the described configuration. The presented Raman spectra are also discussed in terms of future applications.