Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an excellent tool for identification of unknown chemicals. As infrared energy is passed through or bounced off of a chemical, a spectrum is created based on the absorbance pattern and compared to a database (library) for identification.
Advances such as Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) sampling, which eliminates sample prep, have simplified FTIR such that it has become standard equipment for advanced CBRNE response. FTIR is commonly used to identify unknown liquids and solids. ATR sampling requires direct contact with the sample to perform the analysis.
The HazMatID has currently a library of over 4500 chemicals and is capable of identifying over 32,000 substance including:
• WMD - nerve & blister agents
• Toxic industrial chemicals (TIC)
• White powders
• Explosives & Clan Lab precursors
• Drug precursors
• Common chemicals
• Forensic drugs
• Pesticides
