Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the performance of Raman Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technique to detect trace explosives such as Research Department Explosive (RDX) and Trinitrotoluene (TNT). In various situations, when explosives are prepared, transported or handled, a quantifiable amount of explosive material ends up on surfaces. The main focus lies on the rapid detection of explosives in such surfaces. This standoff technique is implemented under the principle of Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique which involves inelastic scattering from a monochromatic light usually a laser source. The advantages and disadvantages of different lasers used in the process have been discussed. The limitations of Raman Spectroscopy have been studied and methods to overcome them have been experimented.

Keywords: Raman LIDAR, Raman shift, Raman spectroscopy, , RDX, TNT