Detection of Nitro-aromatic Compound in Soil and Sand using Time Gated Raman Spectroscopy

  • Kamal Kumar Gulati Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi – 110 054
  • Vijayeta Gambhir Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi – 110 054
  • M. N. Reddy Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi – 110 054
Keywords: Explosives detection, Nitro aromatic compound, time gated Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

Laser based time-gated Raman Spectroscopy experiments for detection and identification of nitro-aromatic sample which premixed with soil and sand in different concentrations are conducted. A back-scattered stand-off Raman spectroscopy set-up using a frequency double Nd:YAG pulsed laser (532 nm, 8 ns, 10 Hz) was employed to evaluate samples made up of standard nitro- aromatic compounds, p-nitro Benzoic acid (PNBA) premixed with soil and sand at different concentrations. A sensitive ICCD detector was used to capture the weak Raman signals buried in high background noise at optimised experiments parameters like laser pulse energy, ICCD gate width, background subtraction, number of laser pulses averaging etc. p- nitro benzoic acid up to 5 per cent (v/v) concentration in sand with appreciable signal to noise ratio has been detected. This feasibility study also becomes relevant to evaluate the remnants for post-blast detection of explosives in terrorist attack as most of the explosives used in such attacks contain nitro-aromatic based high energetic explosives.

Author Biographies

Kamal Kumar Gulati, Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi – 110 054

Mr Kamal Kumar Gulati obtained MSc (Physics) from IIT Roorkee. Presently he is working as a Scientist ‘D’ at LASTEC, DRDO, Delhi. His area of research is detection of explosive materials using laser based spectroscopic technique like Raman, LIBS and CRDS. He has contributed in design, development and evaluation of prototype for explosives and hazardous chemicals detection.

Vijayeta Gambhir, Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi – 110 054

Ms Vijayeta Gambhir obtained M.Sc (Electronic Science) from Delhi University. Presently she is working as a Scientist ‘G’ and Head of Explosives agent detection (EAD) group at LASTEC. Her present R&D activities include development of laser based sensors for stand-off detection of explosives and hazardous materials.

M. N. Reddy, Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi – 110 054

Dr M.N. Reddy obtained MSc (Physics) and M.Phil (Physics) from Central University of Hyderabad. He obtained his PhD in Laser Physics from IIT Kanpur. Presently he is working as a Scientist ‘G’ and Divisional Head of Explosives Agent Detection (EAD) as well as High Power Fiber Laser (HPFLFL) group at LASTEC. His present R&D activity include development of laser based sensors for stand-off detection of explosives and high power fiber lasers for directed energy system.

Published
2017-09-19
How to Cite
Gulati, K., Gambhir, V., & Reddy, M. (2017). Detection of Nitro-aromatic Compound in Soil and Sand using Time Gated Raman Spectroscopy. Defence Science Journal, 67(5), 588-591. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.67.10290
Section
Materials Science & Metallurgy