Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for detection of ammonium nitrate in soils

Daniel Díaz, David W. Hahn, Alejandro Molina

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The extensive use of improvised explosive devices (IED) by irregular armed groups in Colombia has posed a threat, not only to the Colombian regular army but to the civilian population. It is expected that in future years, after an eventual cease fire, humanitarian missions for IED clearance will be fundamental to secure safe transit of people and goods, particularly in Colombian rural areas. The clandestine nature of IEDs preparation in Colombia yielded a rather diverse nature of these irregular weapons. Although, some have metal parts such as nails and shrapnel, others are metal-free devices in which detonation is obtained by chemical means. Despite this variability in IEDs design, one thing that is common in IEDs preparation is the use of significant amounts of ANFO (ammonium nitrate (AN), fuel oil (FO)) in their construction. The goal of this work was to identify AN and FO in soils using LIBS. Experiments showed the ability of LIBS to identify the presence of AN based on H α (656.3 nm) and H β (486.1 nm) emission lines. It was not possible to identify FO mixed with soils in the spectral windows studied. FO caused a reduction on spark intensity on the samples. This would represent a challenge for identification of chemical compounds in wet soils. Potential interferences with fertilizers are discussed as well.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDetection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XIV
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventDetection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XIV - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: Apr 13 2009Apr 17 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7303
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceDetection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XIV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period4/13/094/17/09

Keywords

  • Ammonium nitrate
  • IED
  • Improvised explosive device
  • LIBS

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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