Rapid, on-site identification of explosives in nanoliter droplets using a UV reflected fiber optic sensor

A portable UV (190–400 nm) spectrophotometric based reflected fiber optic sensor system is presented for the on-site detection and identification of explosives. A reflected fiber optic sensor for explosives analysis was developed, with low sample consumption (20–100 nL) and a wide concentration quantification range (1.1–250 mg L−1). Seven common explosives [pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (CE), trinitrotoluene (TNT), dinitrotoluene (DNT), picric acid (PA), cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX)] and a PETN–RDX mixture (to simulate the Semtex used in many terrorist bombings) were quantitatively analyzed and identified by the proposed system in less than 3 s per test, with limits of detection (LOD) of 0.3 mg L−1. Due to chemical interference problems in the UV wavelengths range, a novel feature matching algorithm (FMA) was proposed for explosive identification, which was proved to have higher specificity and better anti-interference ability. Real post-blast debris samples were analyzed by the proposed method, and the results were validated against an LC/MS/MS method. The rapid, cost-effective detection with low sample consumption and wide applicability achieved by this system is highly suitable for homeland security on-site applications, such as rapid sample screening in post-blast debris.

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► We design a portable system for the on-site detection of explosives.
► The system is capable of rapid, costless detection with low sample consumption.
► We develop a novel algorithm capable of identifying explosives.
► Seven explosives and a PETN–RDX mixture are detected and identified.
► Real world samples are identified and the results are validated by LC/MS/MS.