Vapour and Trace Detection of Explosives

Abstract

Vapour detection and trace detection of explosives are the two basic methods of explosive detection. The boundary conditions in vapour detection and trace detection are discussed. The main advantage of vapour detection is a quick and operational easy search of objects, persons and buildings by hand- held detectors. The substantial problem is the temperature dependence of explosive vapour pressure. The limits of vapour detection at low temperature are demonstrated and discussed. The further increase of sensitivity of detectors and improvement of preconcentrator capacity is required.