1. FirstDefender Explosives Application Overview
October 08

2. Explosives Applications
Domestic Terrorism
Border Crossings
Critical Infrastructure
Liquid Explosives / Checkpoint Screening
Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)
Home Made Explosives (HME) - Wartime
Manufacturing Process
Chemical Hazards
Common Industrial Chemicals
Clandestine Laboratories
Describe how explosives applications can be broken down into 3 major applications:
Domestic terrorism, the prevention and detection of explosives within a country or region
IEDs – which is the homemade mfg of bombs for wartime or high school kids
Chemical hazards – legitimate uses of chemicals can be hazardous, this application can also include clandestine or meth labs, where the mfg of methamphetamine involves many explosive materials

3. Typical Scenario for Potential Explosive Threats
CHALLENGE: Identify unknown chemicals
Responder’s Options
Limited data
Limited equipment
Limited time
Wait on Scene
Collect/Transport Sample
Blow-and-Go
Review schematic – stressing that a responder (can be military, bomb technician, hazmat or law enforcement official has limited amount of time and information to make decisions when they do not have any identification technology
Review 3 possible scenarios of action or no action and the potentional drawbacks of each
Increased Risk/Exposure
Delayed Decision Making
Resource drain
Unstable/Toxic Sample
Still unknown chemical
Takes time/delays operations
Destroys evidence
Detonating unknown
Spread chem hazard
Drawbacks

4. Bomb Tech’s Technology Toolbox
Portable X-ray
Explosives containment box
Radio Frequency Jammers
Bomb Suit
Vapor / Particulate
Discuss that a bomb technician has many tools they may call on during a bomb threat or post blat response, and that the FirstDefender is one tool in a group of many tools
Robots
Chemical (Solid & Liquid)
Fiber optic camera

5. Raman versus Trace Raman Spectroscopy Identification
Used to identify bulk liquids and solid materials that are visible to the human eye
Raman spectroscopy has extremely high accuracy and very low false alarm rate (< 1%)
Capable of identifying thousands of chemicals and mixtures
Can identify raw materials used in manufacture of HMEs, not just finished explosives
FirstDefender is field instrument, rugged and decon-able
Ready to go – no warm up time required
No consumables
FD can be upgraded in the field with new library items as new threats emerge
IMS Trace Detection
Used to identify the presence of trace explosives that cannot be seen
High nuisance alarm rate (~10%) and cannot be used on bulk quantities (will saturate the detector)
Only identifies finished explosives
Can identify 5 – 10 single chemicals
Not typically decon-able
Dopant and dessicant consumables typically required
~ hour warm up time
Review differences between Raman and trace as tool for explosives chemical identification

6. Bomb Technician – Critical Needs
Portable – Rugged Design
Easy to Use
Requires Minimal Training
Low Maintenance
Out of the Box Ready
Reliable
Rapid Response
Remote Scanning
Outside the U.S. bomb technicians are typically under the central military group

7. Explosives 101

8. Explosives Overview
All bomb technicians are trained at the Hazardous Device School (FBI Sponsored)

9. Commercial High Explosives (Ordnance)
Primary Explosives
Very sensitive explosives used in detonators
Lead Azide
Lead Styphnate
Mercury Fulminate
Diasodintitrophenol (DDNP)
Tetrazene
Secondary Explosives
Mostly insensitive and require a booster or detonator to initiate
Ammonium Nitrate
Trinitroltoluene (TNT)
Petaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)
Cyclo-Trimethylene Trinitramine (RDX)
Dynamite
Emulsion
Water based explosives solutions of oxidizers and fuel, typically contains ammonium nitrate
Boosters
Explosive charge with high detonation velocity, used to amplify the primary explosive
Sheet Explosives
Flexible and moldable high explosives with mixtures of PETN or RDX and nitrocellulose
Semtex
Highly moldable, plastic explosives manufactured in Czech Republic containing RDX and PETN, sometimes TNT with plasticizers
C-4
Composition 4, WWII, white, odorlesss, moldable containing RDX and plasticizers

10. Explosives Substance Overview - IED
Nitrated Explosives
NG – Nitroglycerin
(Glycerin, Nitric Acid + Sulfuric Acid)
EGDN – Ethylene Glycol Dinitrate
(Ethylene Glycol, Nitric Acid + Sulfuric Acid)
Methyl Nitrate
(Methyl Alcohol, Nitric Acid + Sulfuric Acid)
Urea Nitrate
(Urea, Nitric Acid)
Nitrocellulose (Gun Cotton)
(Cotton, Nitric Acid + Sulfuric Acid)
Peroxide Explosives
TATP – Triacetone Triperoxide
(Acetone, Hydrogen Peroxide, Strong Acid)
HMTD – Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine
(Hexamine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Citric Acid)
MEKP – Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide
(Methyl ethyl ketone, Hydrogen Peroxide, Strong Acid) X
Common Precursors
Strong Acids
Sulfuric ‘battery’ H2SO4
Nitric HNO3
Hydrochloric ‘ Muriatic HCl
Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2
Urea
Acetone
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Alcohol
Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze)
Glycerin (Glycreol)
Hexamine (Camp Stove Tablets)
Citric Acid (sour salt)
A variety of chemical precursors can be reacted together to create explosives

11. Explosives Substance Overview – Oxidizers - IED
Reactive Elements combined with Oxidizers
Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K)
Barium (Ba)
Calcium (Ca)
Ammonium (NH4)
Lithium (Li)
Strontium (Sr)
Lead (Pb)
Silver (Ag)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxidizer Compounds
Ammonium Perchlorate NH4CLO4
Sodium Chlorate NaCLO3
Calcium Hypochlorite Ca(OCl)2
Ammonium Nitrate NH4NO3
Potassium Nitrate KNO3
Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2
Barium Peroxide BaO2
Potassium Permanganate KMnO4
Lead Iodate Pb(IO3)2
Lithium Chromate Li2CrO42H2O
Potassium Dichromate K2Cr2O7
Oxidizer Names
Perchlorate CLO4
Chlorate CLO3
Hypochlorite OCl
Nitrate NO3
Peroxide O2
Permanganate MnO4
Iodate IO3
Chromate CrO4
Dichromate Cr2O7
Oxidizers serve as a source of oxygen or can be blended with fuels in IED mixtures
Nitrate Blends
ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate, Diesel Fuel)
ANAI (Ammonium Nitrate, Aluminum Powder)
ANS (Ammonium Nitrate, Sulfur Powder)
ANIS (Ammonium Nitrate, Icing Sugar)
Black Powder (Potassium Nitrate, Charcoal, Sulfur)
Chlorate / Perchlorate Blends
Flash Powder (Potassium Chlorate, Aluminum Powder, Mg Powder, Sulfur)
Poor Man’s C-4 (Potassium Chlorate, Vaseline)
Armstrong’s Mixture (K-Chlorate, Red Phosphorous) X X

12. FirstDefender & Use Scenarios

13. FirstDefender Explosives Identification
Hand Held Chemical Identification System
> 6500 Substance Library
Explosives & Precursors
CWA and Industrial Chemicals
Simple User Interface
Designed for Tactical Field User
Point & Shoot, Vial or Flex Probe Mode
Samples Through Containers
Quick – Accurate Response
Unknown substance is scanned with 785nm
laser – scattered light is measured and
compared to library of chemical spectrum
Capable of identifying mixtures
Light Weight – Ergonomic Design
< 4 pounds
Rugged exterior can be submerged and decon’d

14. Principles of Operation
Detection Method – Raman Spectroscopy
No Sample Handling or Preparation
Designed for tactical, point and shoot applications
Unaffected by Strong IR Absorbers (Water, CO2, Glass)
Excitation Wavelength Can Penetrate Container Materials
Beer bottles, wine bottles, water bottles, zip-lock bags, etc.
Unique spectrally rich signature for identification
Limitations
Does not penetrate opaque containers
Dark colored solid materials, black powder
Fluorescence can limit household product identification
Fluorescence can increase measurement time

15. Use Modes Flex Probe Vial Point-and-Shoot
Ideal when environment does not allow for point and shoot, and for when sampling is done for evidence collection
Use caution on dark colored substances
Ideal when you do not want to open container
Best Tactical Sampling Option
Ideal for hard to reach locations, and for freeing hands and fixing probe on sample
Sample Time will be longer than point and shoot
Most Raman systems have two modes of use.
Vial Compartment Measurements allow the user to collect a sample into a 4ml vial and insert the vial into the internal compartment of the unit
Point and Shoot Measurements attempt to identify a chemical substance with minimal to no contact. For example through a pill bottle, through a Tupperware container, an amber colored bottle, etc.
The system operates on the same principle for both techniques, however the Point and Shoot mode is more challenging as you are introducing in a wide range of

16. What can Raman “see” through?
Can laser light get through it?
Darker colored containers may take longer to scan through. It is a tactical decision whether or not to take the time to get through.
NOTES:
________________________________________________________________
Yes
Transparent or Translucent No
Opaque

17. Call to action simple results
Good result always confirm with
other info and technologies
Good result always be aware of what a mixture means to other technologies
Poor spectra, complex mixture, poor sampling, difficult sample, fluorescence could give this result
See if spectra was acquired – call for
Reachback support - Ahura 911

18. Tactical Advantages Applications Analyze Unknowns Without Handling
Analyze Unknown’s in Their Container
Possible to Analyze Outside of Hot Zone

19. Typical Scenario for Potential Explosive Threats
CHALLENGE: Identify unknown chemicals
Responder’s Options
Limited data
Limited equipment
Limited time
Wait on Scene
Collect/Transport Sample
Blow-and-Go
Increased Risk/Exposure
Delayed Decision Making
Resource drain
Unstable/Toxic Sample
Still unknown chemical
Takes time/delays operations
Destroys evidence
Detonating unknown
Bad public relations
Drawbacks

20. Proposed Solution
Technology allows paradigm shift in field identification tactics
Increased Troop Protection
Situation Awareness
Instant data
Real time decisions
FirstDefender
Immediate Identification
Conclusion
Increased Operator Protection
On scene Commander
Declare Non-Threat
Blow-and-Go
Retain sample
Understand threat
Retains evidence
Quickly assume operations
No extra resources needed
Clear scene
Collect evidence
Safely detonate
Continue operations

21. Home Made Explosives (HME)
One of the greatest challenges for EOD
Easy to Make – Internet Recipes
Can be extremely sensitive, rough handling may cause detonation
The FirstDefender can scan through translucent containers
Allows you to take a scan without disturbing the sample
Most of the known precursors for HME are detectable by the FirstDefender
Hydrogen Peroxide
Sulfuric Acid
Acetone

22. Scenarios Clandestine Laboratories Methamphetamine Labs Post Blast
Home made Laboratory discovered in residence or abandoned building filled with unlabeled flasks and containers
Could be narcotics, explosives or benign liquids
Taking a sample can risk detonation
FirstDefender’s ability to sample through containers facilitates non-contact sampling
Methamphetamine Labs
Home made drug labs is residence or buildings
Many dangerous toxic chemicals and booby traps
Possible chemical vapor spread in detonation
Post Blast
Residual Material from an explosion scene can be scanned to identify the remaining explosive material
Cannot identify ash or post-explosive material
Chemical enhancers and precursors can be tested as well

23. Success Stories

24. U.S. State & Local Orlando International Airport April, 2008
“A Jamaican planning to board a flight at Orlando International Airport was detained and questioned by FBI agents Tuesday after they found components for pipe bombs and explosive and flammable liquids in his checked luggage…….including two vodka bottles with flammable nitro methane” Orlando Sentinel, June 23, 2008
“I definitely want to commend AHURA on its ease of access to the analyzed data” Law Enforcement official onsite at the incident
Key Customers
St. Paul MN PD Bomb Squad
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Albuquerque Police Dept
Tampa International Airport Police Explosives unit
Tallahassee Bomb Squad
Florida Fire Marshall's office
Massachusetts State Police EOD
Austin Police Dept

25. U.S. Federal Military U.S. Military FirstDefender Customer
“To whom it may concern, my team is currently deployed to Iraq.  We use your FirstDefender on most every mission.  It is one of the best if not the best instruments we use.  I am in need of a price list for all of the expendable items that you have listed on your website under Parts and Accessories.  If you could send me the prices I would appreciate it. Thank You”
Key Customers
U.S. Military (Air Force, Army, Marine Corp, National Guard)
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives
Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

26. International Canadian Department of Defense
Japanese Ministry of Defense
United Kingdom MOD
China Olympics
Israel Military

27. Key Partnerships – U.S.
ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency within the Dept of Justice)
Provides Training to Bomb Techs ATF Teams
FirstDefender incorporated into training curriculum
HDS (Hazardous Device School for FBI)
All certified bomb technicians attend HDS
NBRCT (Louisiana State University)
(National Center for Biomedical Research & Training Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education)
IABTI Recommended Product List
International Association of Bomb Technicians - pending approval
Tom Thurman
Former FBI Agent and Director of Explosives Center
3rd party performance and capability testing complete

28. Key Partnership Targets – International
DSTL Defense Science & Technology Laboratory UK
HOSDB Home Office Scientific Development Branch UK
IEDs for Police
London Metropolitan Police
BKA Bundeskriminalamt Germany
National Investigative Police Agency (Federal Ministry of the Interior)

29. Spectra for explosives: Peroxide-based
 TATP (triacetone triperoxide) 
 MEKP (methylethylketone peroxide)  
Again as we look at the spectra we can see distinct differences between each chemical, and we see that the chemical structures on the right are also unique.
 HMTD (hexamethylene triperoxidediamine)
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Raman shift (D cm-1)