Detection of explosives by ion mobility spectrometry

Ion mobility spectrometry is an effective method for detecting mine-explosive devices and explosive charges and for revealing objects and peoples who came into contact with explosives. This is because of the excellent analytical and performance characteristics of the corresponding instruments. In the present work, we described the objects to be detected, formulated the basic terms and definitions, considered the physicochemical basics of the separation of ions by their mobility in a gas under an electric field, and presented experimental data on the main analytical characteristics of spectrometers: their ability to identify analytes, resolution power, time to provide readings, sensitivity, and detection limit.