Deep Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (DUVRRS) may be a particularly powerful technique for the detection of trace explosives residues. Like visible and infrared Raman spectroscopy, DUVRRS signatures have a high level of molecular specificity; however, due to the strong resonances present in many explosives at wavelengths below 240 nm, DUVRRS scattering cross sections can be many orders of magnitude higher than longer-wavelength Raman cross sections. In addition, for excitation wavelengths shorter than 240 nm, there can be no interference from solar background or molecular fluorescence, leaving Raman scattering from other materials as the only source of interference.

Under funding from DIA's Signatures Support Program and JIEDDO, the WVHTC Foundation has been measuring DUVRRS signatures for a variety of explosives and likely interferant materials as well as composite signatures of trace explosive residues on solid surfaces. We have also been performing a detailed design feasibility study for explosives detection systems that utilize DUVRRS, including detailed simulations and laboratory feasibility demonstrations. This work has led to promising designs for both handheld and vehicle mounted explosive detections systems that are likely to someday help both the military and law enforcement quickly and safely detect and identify trace levels of explosives.