Surface-enhanced Raman sensor for nitroexplosive vapors

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering has been measured for solutions of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), trinitrotoluene (TNT), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX) adsorbed onto metal foils, island films, coated microspheres, and colloids. The wavelength selectivity of the method was also investigated for lasers which potentially may be used in a field instrument. Preliminary room temperature vapor-phase SERS detection of 2,4-DNT adsorbed on gold foil has been achieved. The results demonstrate the potential of SERS as a detector of buried landmines when coupled to compact man- portable Raman instrumentation.