Technical Note

Real-Time Detection of Concealed Chemical Hazards Under Ambient Light Conditions Using Raman Spectroscopy^†

Biju Cletus Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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William Olds Ph.D.,

William Olds Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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Peter M. Fredericks Ph.D.,

Peter M. Fredericks Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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Esa Jaatinen Ph.D.,

Esa Jaatinen Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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Emad L. Izake Ph.D.,

Corresponding Author

Emad L. Izake Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

Additional information and reprint requests:

Emad L. Izake, Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Science and Engineering Faculty

Queensland University of Technology

2 George St

Brisbane QLD 4001

Australia

E-mail: [email protected]

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Biju Cletus Ph.D.,

Biju Cletus Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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William Olds Ph.D.,

William Olds Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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Peter M. Fredericks Ph.D.,

Peter M. Fredericks Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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Esa Jaatinen Ph.D.,

Esa Jaatinen Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

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Emad L. Izake Ph.D.,

Corresponding Author

Emad L. Izake Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Australia

Additional information and reprint requests:

Emad L. Izake, Ph.D.

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Science and Engineering Faculty

Queensland University of Technology

2 George St

Brisbane QLD 4001

Australia

E-mail: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 21 May 2013

https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12137

Citations: 17

^†

Supported by the National Security Science and Technology scheme (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australian Government), the Queensland Government (National and International Research Alliance Partnerships scheme), Australian Future Forensics Innovation Network (AFFIN), Queensland Health, and Forensic Scientific Services and the Australian Federal Police.

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Abstract

Current concerns regarding terrorism and international crime highlight the need for new techniques for detecting unknown and hazardous substances. A novel Raman spectroscopy-based technique, spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), was recently devised for noninvasively probing the contents of diffusely scattering and opaque containers. Here, we demonstrate a modified portable SORS sensor for detecting concealed substances in-field under different background lighting conditions. Samples including explosive precursors, drugs, and an organophosphate insecticide (chemical warfare agent surrogate) were concealed inside diffusely scattering packaging including plastic, paper, and cloth. Measurements were carried out under incandescent and fluorescent light as well as under daylight to assess the suitability of the probe for different real-life conditions. In each case, it was possible to identify the substances against their reference Raman spectra in less than 1 min. The developed sensor has potential for rapid detection of concealed hazardous substances in airports, mail distribution centers, and customs checkpoints.

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Volume58, Issue4

July 2013

Pages 1008-1014

Real-Time Detection of Concealed Chemical Hazards Under Ambient Light Conditions Using Raman Spectroscopy^†

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Real-Time Detection of Concealed Chemical Hazards Under Ambient Light Conditions Using Raman Spectroscopy^†