Fido® XT Explosives Detector

Fido® explosives detectors utilize proprietary amplifying fluorescent polymers (AFP) to detect trace levels of explosive materials in parts per quadrillion (ppq). In operation, a sample is introduced into the unit via either direct air sampling or thermal desorption of a swipe. The resulting gas-phase sample flows through a glass capillary whose inner surface is coated with AFP material. An external continuous light source is directed at the capillary to produce fluorescent emission from the AFP. Detection occurs when explosives present in the gas stream bind to the AFP and quench the fluorescent emission. This quenching effect is amplified throughout the polymer via electronic linkages along the conjugated polymer chain; amplifications of between 100 and 1000 times versus monomeric quenching have been reported. The binding of explosives to the AFP is reversible; when analyte is removed from the air flow, the system recovers within about a minute.

Availability: DISCONTINUED