| An organic nitro compound representative of nitro based explosives is examined using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). This technique shows promise in the field of analytical chemistry and is a candidate for the standoff detection of explosives. In this thesis we examined the formation of diatomic molecules produced in the plasma. The trends observed are discussed, including the possibility of non-LTE conditions as well as optical thickness. We discuss the various formation pathways of these molecules and temperature effects on their formation. Matrix effects are examined in the context of the measurement of excitation temperatures and implications for the real world detection of explosives. |
