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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Multicolor Fluorescence Detection for Droplet Microfluidics Using Optical Fibers

Multicolor Fluorescence Detection for Droplet Microfluidics Using Optical Fibers

Published on: May 5, 2016

Optical explosives detection: from color changes to fluorescence turn-on.

Meaghan E Germain¹, Michael J Knapp

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.

Chemical Society Reviews

|August 20, 2009

Summary

This review covers optical and fluorescence sensors for detecting chemical explosives, highlighting advances in fluorescence turn-on strategies for sensitive, portable, and cost-effective applications.

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Area of Science:

Materials Chemistry
Forensic Science
Chemical Sensing

Background:

Explosive detection is vital for military and civilian safety.
Current research focuses on improving sensitivity, portability, and cost-effectiveness of explosive sensors.
Optical and fluorescence-based sensors offer promising solutions for portable detection.

Purpose of the Study:

To review chemical approaches for explosive sensing using optical detection methods.
To summarize recent advancements in fluorescence strategies for explosive detection.
To highlight the potential of fluorescence turn-on mechanisms.

Main Methods:

Discussion of chemical sensing principles for explosives.
Review of optical detection techniques.
Summary of fluorescence-based sensing strategies, including turn-on mechanisms.

Main Results:

Optical and fluorescence sensors demonstrate high sensitivity and portability for explosive detection.
Fluorescence turn-on strategies show significant promise for enhanced detection capabilities.
Integration of chemistry and engineering advances leads to improved sensing technologies.

Conclusions:

Optical and fluorescence-based sensors are key to developing advanced explosive detection systems.
Continued research in materials chemistry and fluorescence is crucial for practical applications.
The development of cheap and portable explosive sensors is an active and promising area.