Ultrasensitive detection of explosives vapor using mid-IR cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Summary form only given. The detection of explosives under realistic field conditions including concealment, interferents, and rapid throughput requirements has proven to be a difficult challenge for current technologies. The application of cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) to the detection of explosives vapor has the potential to increase the sensitivity, specificity, and speed of trace explosives detection. We report the first spectroscopic detection of explosives vapor using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. In this work, a mid-IR ZnGeP/sub 2/ (or ZGP) optical parametric oscillator was utilized for direct excitation of fundamental resonances at 6-8 /spl mu/m.