Field detection and monitoring of explosives

Detection of explosives in situ is of major importance in several applications: finding hidden explosives in airport luggage and in mail; screening of personnel for concealed explosives; environmental monitoring of explosives-contaminated sites; and, detection of buried landmines. Mobile and hand-held detectors have been developed for the various applications. They can be sub-divided into three classes: vapor and particle detectors; radiation detectors; and, biochemical detectors. An overview of the various explosives detectors and their principles of operation is presented. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved