Improve explosive detection with the ARL EQUINOX 100 X-ray Diffractometer

Despite relatively low case numbers compared to other forensic applications, improving explosive detection techniques is crucial due to the persistent threat of attacks by terrorist organizations and criminals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful method in analyzing crystalline materials and mixtures to identify explosive materials. In this application note, the Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ EQUINOX 100 benchtop XRD instrument is highlighted as a transportable and versatile tool that meets the requirements of forensic science. The ARL EQUINOX 100 XRD can collect data of explosives within five-minute measurement time. The combination of MDI JADE 2010 and ICDD pdf 4 organics database allows qualitative and quantitative phase analysis (WPF Rietveld refinement) of the samples.