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Spectral and angular dependence of mid-infrared diffuse scattering from explosives residues for standoff detection using external cavity quantum cascade lasers

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Abstract

We present a study of the spectral and angular dependence of scattered mid-infrared light from surfaces coated with explosives residues (TNT, RDX, and tetryl) detected at a 2 m standoff distance. An external cavity quantum cascade laser provided tunable illumination between 7 and 8 μm. Important differences were identified in the spectral features between specular reflection and diffuse scattering which will impact most practical testing scenarios and complicate material identification. We discuss some of the factors influencing the dependence of observed spectra on the experimental geometry.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Tom Blake and Tim Johnson for providing the samples and the reference FTIR spectra. We thank Daylight Solutions for supplying the quantum cascade laser devices. The research described in this paper was conducted under the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which is operated for the US Department of Energy by the Battelle Memorial Institute under Contract No. DE-AC05-76RLO1830.

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  1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, K5-25, PO Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA

    Jonathan D. Suter, Bruce Bernacki & Mark C. Phillips

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  1. Jonathan D. Suter
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  2. Bruce Bernacki
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  3. Mark C. Phillips
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Correspondence to Mark C. Phillips.

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Suter, J.D., Bernacki, B. & Phillips, M.C. Spectral and angular dependence of mid-infrared diffuse scattering from explosives residues for standoff detection using external cavity quantum cascade lasers. Appl. Phys. B 108, 965–974 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-012-5134-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-012-5134-2

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