Explosive Trace Detection Technology

The detailed chemical characterization of homemade explosives (HMEs) and other chemicals that can mimic or mask the presence of explosives is important for understanding and improving the performance of commercial instrumentation used for explosive detection. In this paper, using HPIMS coupled to a commercial tandem mass spectrometry system (linear ion trap and a high resolution Orbitrap), the ion species originating from a specific HME, erythritol tetranitrate, are elucidated using accurate mass measurements, isotopic ratios, and tandem MS. Gated IMS-MS and high-resolution MS are used to identify minor impurities that can be indicative of the HME source and/or synthesis route. Such analysis allows better signature assignments of threat compounds, modified detection algorithms, and improved overall ETD performance.