Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives
Published on: February 20, 2016
Ultraviolet Emissions from Explosive Detonation Breakout
Stephanie Johnson1, Joel Schwallier2, Nick Glumac2
1Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Eglin, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Detailed spectroscopic measurements of high explosive detonation breakout in the ultraviolet region are presented. Molecular features associated with CN, NH, OH, and N2 are observed and analyzed. Spectra indicate extreme temperatures well in excess of 5000 K in the first few microseconds after breakout. Molecular bands are found to originate from the detonation products, as opposed to the ambient air, and are strongly attenuated in the presence of oxygen. Implications for forensic analysis of source explosive are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
Emission Spectra
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Flame Photometry: Overview
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...

