Existing and Potential Standoff Explosives Detection Techniques examines the scientific techniques currently used as the basis for explosives detection and determines whether other techniques might provide promising research avenues with possible pathways to new detection protocols. This report describe the characteristics of explosives, bombs, and their components that are or might be used to provide a signature for exploitation in detection technology; considers scientific techniques for exploiting these characteristics to detect explosives and explosive devices; discusses the potential for integrating such techniques into detection systems that would have sufficient sensitivity without an unacceptable false-positive rate; and proposes areas for research that might be expected to yield significant advances in practical explosives and bomb detection technology in the near, mid, and long term.

Counterterrorist Detection Techniques of Explosives, Second Edition covers the most current techniques available for explosive detection. This completely revised volume describes the most updated research findings that will be used in the next generation of explosives detection technologies. New editors Drs. Avi Cagan and Jimmie Oxley have assembled in one volume a series of detection technologies written by an expert group of scientists. The book helps researchers to compare the advantages and disadvantages of all available methods in detecting explosives and, in effect, allows them to choose the correct instrumental screening technology according to the nature of the sample. - Covers bulk/remote trace/contact or contact-less detection - Describes techniques applicable to indoor (public transportation, human and freight) and outdoor (vehicle) detection - Reviews both current techniques and those in advanced stages of development - Provides detailed descriptions of every technique, including its principles of operation, as well as its applications in the detection of explosives

The organization of an Advanced Research Workshop with the title “Detection and Disposal of Liquid Explosives and Flammable Agents in Connection with Terrorism” was motivated by international findings about activities in this field of application. This ARW followed a meeting about the “Detection of Disposal Improvised Explosives” (St. Petersburg, 2005). Both items show the logistic problems as one of the lessons, terrorists have to overcome. These problems are connected with the illegal supply and transport of explosives and fuels and as counter-measure the detection of these materials. The invention of liquid explosives goes back to the middle of the 19th century and was used for special purposes in the commercial field of application. Because of the high sensitivity of liquid explosives against mechanical shock, caused by adiabatic compression of air-bobbles producing “hot spots” as origin of initiation the commercial application was not very successful. Because of this high risk, liquid explosives are not used in military or commercial application with some exceptions. In the commercial field explosives as slurries or emulsions consisting of suitable salts (Ammoniumnitrate etc.) and water are used to a large extend because of their high insensitivity. In many cases these slurries or emulsions were unfit for terrorist actions, because of their low sensitivity, large critical diameter and using in confinement. In the military field liquid explosives are used in World War I and II as bomb-fillings.

The detection of hidden explosives has become an issue of utmost importance in recent years. While terrorism is not new to the international community, recent terrorist attacks have raised the issue of detection of explosives and have generated a great demand for rapid, sensitive and reliable methods for detecting hidden explosives. Counterterrorist Detection Techniques of Explosives covers recent advances in this area of research including vapor and trace detection techniques (chemiluminescence, mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, electrochemical methods and micromechanical sensors, such as microcantilevers) and bulk detection techniques (neutron techniques, nuclear quadrupole resonance, x-ray diffraction imaging, millimeter-wave imaging, terahertz imaging and laser techniques). This book will be of interest to any scientists involved in the design and application of security screening technologies including new sensors and detecting devices which will prevent the smuggling of bombs and explosives. * Covers latest advances in vapor and trace detection techniques and bulk detection techniques* Reviews both current techniques and those in advanced stages of development* Techniques that are described in detail, including its principles of operation, as well as its applications in the detection of explosives

This book provides unique perspectives on the state of the art in multispectral/hyperspectral techniques for early-warning monitoring against chemical, biological and radiological (CB&R) contamination of both surface (e.g. land) and air (e.g. atmospheric) environments through the presentation of a comprehensive survey of the novel spectroscopic methodologies and technologies that are emerging to address the CB&R defense and security challenges of the future. The technical content in this book lends itself to the non-traditional requirements for point and stand-off detection that have evolved out of the US joint services programs over many years. In particular, the scientific and technological work presented seeks to enable hyperspectral-based sensing and monitoring that is in real time and in-line; low in cost and labor requirements; and easy to support, maintain and use in military and security-relevant scenarios.

This book is about improving prohibited substances detection using the nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) technique at security checkpoints. The book proposes multiple signal processing and analysis techniques for improving detection of dangerous or contraband substances, such as explosives, narcotics, or toxic substances. Also, several hardware solutions are described and implemented in a custom-designed NQR spectrometer. A new approach to NQR signal detection is introduced using artificial intelligence/deep learning techniques. The book will be useful for for researchers and practitioners in the areas of electrical engineering, signal processing and analysis, applied spectroscopy, as well as for security or laboratory equipment manufacturers.

Delving into Infrared Spectroscopy: Principles, Advances and Applications, and with basic knowledge of IR spectroscopy, will provide the reader with a synopsis of fundamentals and groundbreaking advances in the field. Readers will see a variety of MIR applications and difficulties encountered, especially in an industrial environment. Competency in FT-IR spectroscopy in biomedical research and early-stage diagnosis of obesity is shown. Challenges associated with VIS-NIR applications are shown through application of the technique in assessing quality parameters of fruits. Moreover, IR spectroscopic studies of radiation-stimulated processes, and the influence of using IR in developing an ideal catalyst and hence an efficient catalysis process, are discussed. The impact of coupling multivariate data analysis techniques to IR is shown in almost every chapter.

Laser-Based Optical Detection of Explosives offers a comprehensive review of past, present, and emerging laser-based methods for the detection of a variety of explosives. This book: Considers laser propagation safety and explains standard test material preparation for standoff optical-based detection system evaluation Explores explosives detection using deep ultraviolet native fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, reflectometry, and hyperspectral imaging Examines photodissociation followed by laser-induced fluorescence, photothermal methods, cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry, and short-pulse laser-based techniques Describes the detection and recognition of explosives using terahertz-frequency spectroscopic techniques Each chapter is authored by a leading expert on the respective technology, and is structured to supply historical perspective, address current advantages and challenges, and discuss novel research and applications. Readers are left with an in-depth understanding and appreciation of each technology’s capabilities and potential for standoff hazard detection.

This new handbook covers the world of biophotonics not only geographically -- with the editors coming from different continents -- but also in terms of content, since the authors come from the whole spectrum of biophotonic basic and applied research. Designed to set the standard for the scientific community, these three volumes break new ground by providing readers with the physics basics as well as the biological and medical background, together with detailed reports on recent technical advances. The Handbook also adopts an application-related approach, starting with the application and then citing the various tools to solve the scientific task, making it of particular value to medical doctors. Divided into several sections, the first part offers introductory chapters on the different fields of research, with subsequent parts focusing on the applications and techniques in various fields of industry and research. The result is a handy source for scientists seeking the basics in a condensed form, and equally a reference for quickly gathering the knowledge from neighboring disciplines. Absolutely invaluable for biophotonic scientists in their daily work.

America is a target; the homeland is under threat. While Americans have been targets of terrorist attacks for quite some time, September 11, 2001, awoke the nation to the reality that we are vulnerable in our homes, our places of work and worship, and our means of public transportation. And yet, we must continue to function as best we can as the world's most vibrant economic and political community. The current threat environment requires greater engagement with the public, as the necessary eyes and ears of the nation's homeland security infrastructure. However, to be effective, the public must be equipped with the knowledge of where and why specific locations and activities may be a terrorist target, what is being done to protect those targets, and how they can help. This three-volume set answers that need. The chapters of each volume of Homeland Security revolve around a core of central questions. Are we safer today than we were pre-9/11? What steps have been taken in all these areas to protect ourselves? What are the threats we face, and what new threats have developed since 9/11? Are we staying one step ahead of those who wish to do us harm? In 2002, more than 400 million people, 122 million cars, 11 million trucks, 2.4 million freight cars, and 8 million containers entered the United States. Nearly 60,000 vessels entered the United States at its 301 ports of entry. Clearly the amount of activity this represents will require a long-term commitment to innovation, organizational learning, and public vigilance to complement an already overstretched network of government agencies and security professionals.