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Optimization of ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy for trace explosive checkpoint screening

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Abstract

Raman spectroscopy has long been considered a gold standard for optically based chemical identification, but has not been adopted in non-laboratory operational settings due to limited sensitivity and slow acquisition times. Ultraviolet (UV) Raman spectroscopy has the potential to address these challenges through the reduction of fluorescence from background materials and increased Raman scattering due to the shorter wavelength (relative to visible or near-infrared excitation) and resonant enhancement effects. However, the benefits of UV Raman must be evaluated against specific operational situations: the actual realized fluorescence reduction and Raman enhancement depend on the specific target materials, target morphology, and operational constraints. In this paper, the wavelength trade-space in UV Raman spectroscopy is evaluated for one specific application: checkpoint screening for trace explosive residues. The optimal UV wavelength is evaluated at 244, 266, and 355 nm for realistic trace explosive and explosive-related compound (ERC) residues on common checkpoint materials: we perform semi-empirical analysis that includes the UV penetration depth of common explosive and ERCs, realistic explosive and ERC residue particle sizes, and the fluorescence signal of common checkpoint materials. We find that while generally lower UV wavelength provides superior performance, the benefits may be significantly reduced depending on the specific explosive and substrate. Further, logistical requirements (size, weight, power, and cost) likely limit the adoption of optimal wavelengths.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security through Interagency Agreement 70RSAT18KPM000080 under Air Force contract no. FA8702-15-D-0001.

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Author notes

  1. Mitesh Amin

    Present address: Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA

  2. Patrick Wen

    Present address: Illumina, Inc., 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA, 92122, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lincoln Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 244 Wood Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, USA

    Mitesh Amin, Patrick Wen, William D. Herzog & Roderick R. Kunz

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  1. Mitesh Amin
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  2. Patrick Wen
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  4. Roderick R. Kunz
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Correspondence to Roderick R. Kunz.

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Amin, M., Wen, P., Herzog, W.D. et al. Optimization of ultraviolet Raman spectroscopy for trace explosive checkpoint screening. Anal Bioanal Chem 412, 4495–4504 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-020-02725-2

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