EXP-SA IMS-MS for the Detection of IEDs

Washington State University, Pullman WA

Investigators

Abstract

0731306 Hill The objective of this work is to solve the problems associated with explosives detection by IMS alone. IMS has always been the most popular method for explosives and chemical weapons detection in the field due to its sensitivity and portability. However, IMS has been prone to false positives due to chemical interferences. The research plan describes several approaches to improve, not only the resolution of IMS, but to add additional criteria of selectivity by using mass spectrometry detection and selective methods of ionization. The use of two orthogonal means of analysis has the potential for the reduction of false positives.