METHOD FOR DETECTING TRACE EXPLOSIVES USING PHOTOLUMINESCENCE

摘要

A method for detecting trace explosives which includes obtaining a sample believed to contain explosives residue and contacting the sample and a carrier container containing the sample with a reagent. The sample and the carrier is illuminated by an appropriate laser or other light source while it is contained within a light tight box. The sample and the carrier is observed during the elimination to determine photoluminescence of the sample as an indication that it contains trace explosives. The reagent may be an alkaline containing substance, a lanthanide complex, a lanthanide complex containing sensitizing ligands or nanocrystals.