Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)
A field-deployable analytical technique that separates ions by their mobility in an electric field at atmospheric pressure. Used for trace explosive detection at airports and post-blast scenes. Standard IMS instruments detect nitro-explosive markers; dedicated TATP detection modes use different ionisation chemistry.
Explained in these topics
- Post-Blast Residue Sampling and the IMS, GC-ECD, LC-MS/MS Workflow
- Specific Explosives: TNT, RDX, PETN, HMX, ANFO, TATP, Urea Nitrate
- Field Explosives Detection: IMS, ETD, Canines and Raman
- Lab Equipment, Evidence Handling and Chain of Custody
- Post-Blast Scene: Search Grid, Fragment Collection, Seat of Blast