The analysis of explosives is a particularly important area of forensic science. The emphasis of explosives analysis long ago surpassed the goal of simply identifying the explosive material from uninitiated or post blast residue. The challenge in this field of research is to individualize the sample to the greatest extent possible through ultra-trace analysis of manufacturing and environmental impurities. Modern methods of mass spectrometry involving gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) utilizing selected ion monitoring, tandem mass spectrometry and mass scanning experiments facilitate these studies.

The type and origin of the explosive are two of the most important questions addressed in a bombing investigation. NCFS researchers are examining trace impurities from explosive debris in order to find explosives' "fingerprints." From these unique signatures (and once a complete database is constructed) investigators will be able to determine where each explosive was created-the manufacturer and country of origin. Currently, one project involves examination of samples of RDX (a common explosive, widely used in military and commercial setting). Pioneering work in this research area was started at NCFS in the late 1990's by Jehuda Yinon and his work on fingerprinting TNT.

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Michael Sigman
Department of Chemistry
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816