Automated Mapping of Explosives Particles in Composition C-4 Fingerprints

• NCJ Number: 230713
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 334-340
• Author(s): Jennifer R. Verkouteren, M.S.; Jessica L. Coleman, M.S.; Inho Cho, B.S.
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 7 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Homeland Security
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 9th International Symposium on the Analysis and Detection of Explosives in Paris, France, July 2–6, 2007.

Annotation

A method is described to perform automated mapping of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) particles in C-4 fingerprints.

Abstract

The method employs polarized light microscopy and image analysis to map the entire fingerprint and the distribution of RDX particles. This method can be used to evaluate a large number of fingerprints to aid in the development of threat libraries that can be used to determine performance requirements of explosive trace detectors. A series of 50 C-4 fingerprints were characterized, and results show that the number of particles varies significantly from print to print, and within a print. The particle size distributions can be used to estimate the mass of RDX in the fingerprint. These estimates were found to be within +/- 26% relative of the results obtained from dissolution gas chromatography/ì-electron capture detection for four of six prints, which is quite encouraging for a particle counting approach. By evaluating the average mass and frequency of particles with respect to size for this series of fingerprints, we conclude that particles 10-20 ìm in diameter could be targeted to improve detection of traces of C-4 explosives. Figures, table, and references (Published Abstract)