Standoff LIBS measurements of energetic materials using a 266nm excitation laser

Abstract

A Deep-UV LIBS system has been constructed for the standoff detection of Explosives, and potentially Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) substances. A Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser operating in at 266nm was used for excitation of the LIBS plasma and future Raman excitation. This plasma was enhanced by the means of a nearly simultaneous CO₂ laser which results in a method referred to as Townsend Effect Plasma Spectroscopy (TEPS). Spectra covering the range of 240-800nm at standoff distances are presented. The classical emission lines (i.e. C, N, O, H, etc) of the energetic samples were observed and a peak ratio technique was used to differentiate between benign and energetic samples of interest.