Identification of Explosives with Two-Dimensional Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

The first two-dimensional (2D) resonance Raman spectra of TNT, RDX, HMX, and PETN are measured with an instrument that sequentially and rapidly switches between laser wavelengths, illuminating these explosives with forty wavelengths between 210 nm and 280 nm. Two-dimensional spectra reflect variations in resonance Raman scatter with illumination wavelength, adding information not available from single or few one-dimensional spectra, thereby increasing the number of variables available for use in identification, which is especially useful in environments with contaminants and interferents. We have recently shown that 2D resonance Raman spectra can identify bacteria. Thus, a single device that identifies the presence of explosives, bacteria, and other chemicals in complex backgrounds may be feasible.