Detection of ammonium nitrate inside vehicles by nuclear quadrupole resonance

The development of a system for the detection of ammonium nitrate (AN) in vehicles by nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) is described. The results from studies of the penetration of radio-frequency (RF) magnetic fields inside certain metal enclosures, including full-scale vehicles, were critical in the design of a novel high-Q resonant probe. The probe was shaped not only for optimal penetration of RF magnetic fields into vehicles, but also for optimal rejection of RF interference and ease of shielding. A full-scale technical demonstrator was designed, built and successfully demonstrated, using novel pulse sequences to generate and detect NQR signals from AN concealed within the boot (trunk) of a car and in the loading bay of a (metal-sided) van. Among the key technical advances that made possible the effective operation of this system was the development of pulse sequences that generate detectable NQR responses for RF magnetic fields that are both very weak and very inhomogeneous.