State-of-the-Art Technologies in Explosives Detection

Abstract This review substantiated the list of explosive substances and their components subject to control. Typical objects of detection by instrumental methods of chemical analysis—trace amounts of explosives on various surfaces or explosive vapors in the air as signs of the presence of explosive devices or explosive charges—were described. Based on these descriptions, requirements for the explosives detectors in use were formulated. An assessment and qualitative comparison of analytical and operational characteristics of devices based on remote methods of laser spectroscopy and also devices based on sampling, sample preparation, and analysis by ion mobility spectrometry, colorimetry with the use of reagents for color reactions, mass spectrometry, high-speed gas chromatography, gas chromatography—mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and sensor methods (optical (chemical), electrical, electrochemical, thermometric, and mass-sensitive methods) were carried out. The main directions in the development of instrumental analytical technologies for explosives detection were listed.