Remote detection of explosives using Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer installed on multicopter

TL;DR

This paper presents a lightweight, drone-mounted air analysis system combining FAIMS and gas sensors for remote detection of explosives and hazardous chemicals, enabling quick, 15-minute flights for security and environmental monitoring.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integrated system on a multicopter platform for remote detection of explosives using FAIMS and gas sensors, with initial experimental validation.

Findings

Successfully detected explosives like TNT and nitro powder

System supports 15-minute autonomous flights

Enables remote air impurity and hazard detection

Abstract

The detection of explosives and drugs in hard-to-reach places is a considerable challenge. We report the development and initial experimental characterization of the air analysis system that includes Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer (FAIMS), array of the semiconductor gas sensors and is installed on multicopter. The system was developed based on the commercially available DJI Matrix 100 platform. For data collection and communication with operator, the special compact computer (Intel Compute Stick) was installed onboard. The total weight of the system was 3.3 kg. The system allows the 15 minutes flight and provide the remote access to the obtained data. The developed system can be effectively used for the detection of impurities in the air, ecology monitoring, detection of chemical warfare agents and explosives, what is especially important in light of recent terroristic attacks. The capabilities of the system was tested on the several explosives such as trinitrotoluene and nitro powder.