Enhanced RDX Detection Studies on Various Types of Substrates via Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser Spectrometer Coupled with Grazing Angle Probe

Abstract

Abstract Owing to scientific advances in the field of materials sciences and engineering, researchers have developed new energy sources used for spectroscopic applications and measurements of properties resulting from the interaction of matter and electromagnetic radiation in the mid-infrared (MIR) region. MIR lasers, such as quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), used for spectroscopy have quickly found numerous applications in a wide cadre of IR techniques. This provides the opportunity to study properties of highly energetic materials (HEM), among many other applications. MIR laser spectroscopy based detection experiments of HEMs were carried out using a QCL optically coupled to compact grazing angle probe mount (QCL-GAP) enabling reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) measurements of thin films of HEMs. A saturated solution of RDX in acetone was prepared, and aliquots of subsequent dilutions of the stock solutions were transferred to test surfaces for QCL-GAP back-reflectance measurements. RDX reflectance signals were monitored as function as the decreasing surface concentration until the signal/noise was ∼ 3. Stainless steel (SS) plates were used as reflective substrates, and anodized aluminum (AN-Al), cardboard, and Teflon were used as non-reflective (matte) substrates. Using generated calibration curves a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.7 ng/cm2 for RDX/SS and 95 μg/cm2 for RDX/AN-Al were found. Based on the area of laser spot (0.3 cm2) we conclude the minimum masses detected were 490 pg (RDX/SS) and 28 μg (RDX/AN-Al).