THE PECULIARITIES OF EXAMINATION METHODS OF EXPLOSIVES, EXPLOSION PRODUCTS AND GUNSHOT RESIDUE

Abstract

The aim of the article is to outline the sphere of the most efficient use of spectroscopic methods of identifying explosives, based on the comprehensive comparative analysis of their advantages and disadvantages, while specifying ways of development of these methods. During the research, some of the most advanced spectroscopic methods for revealing and identification of explosives and explosive products have been outlined that have not yet become widely used by the National Police bodies and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine offices, mainly: Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Laser Spark Emission Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Terahertz Spectroscopy. Advantages have been highlighted for each of the aforementioned methods reference the speed, informational content, and selectiveness of research–including remote research–and the possibility of investigating traces of explosives, vapours, and microscopic particles that form part of them. The disadvantages of these methods have been systemised, ways of alleviating or removing them suggested. The advanced way of combining the methods has been proven–whilst taking each individual capabilities consideration–and illustrated with examples of those combinations. With the purpose of providing security for civilians and restoration of high-risk environments, the topics of relevant advanced developments have been specified aiming at improving the existing and development of new technologies of research for the aforementioned substances. The reliability of obtained results and conclusions is ensured through the systematic approach to research, the use of physical methods of research for
identification and analysis of explosives and explosion products, common methods of Logics, including synthesis and analysis as well as comparison and generalisation – in order to provide objective conclusions for the use of physical methods in practical activity.
Keywords: Ion Mobility Spectrometry; Laser Spark Emission Spectroscopy; Raman Spectroscopy; Terahertz Spectroscopy; explosives.