TNT Detection

A team of University of Florida researchers has invented a way to rapidly detect traces of TNT or other hidden explosives by shining a light on any potentially contaminated object, from a speck of dust in the air to the surface of a suitcase.

The method uses photoluminescence spectroscopy, a technique that casts light on a material and measures the range and intensity of the wavelengths of light the material produces in response. The wavelength of the emitted light varies depending on the chemical structure of the material.

TNT has a sharp, distinct photoluminescent peak at a specific wavelength within the electromagnetic spectrum. The peak occurs just outside the longer-wavelength, or red, portion of the spectrum that includes visible light. It shares this characteristic peak with other explosive materials, such as nitroglycerin, but not with safe materials.

The development provides instantaneous results, gives no false positives, can be used remotely and is portable – attributes that will make it very useful at all levels of law enforcement, from local police to homeland security.