Microscopy of Explosives (1722), September 30-October 4, 2024 In-Person

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COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS

Course schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Friday

This advanced course in the microscopy of bulk explosives, pyrotechnics, and explosive residues will cover organic, inorganic, military, commercial, and improvised explosives. The identification techniques are based on morphology, optical crystallography, microchemical tests, and visual thermal methods. Proficiency in polarized light microscopy is assumed and necessary.

Prerequisite: Applied Polarized Light Microscopy (1201) / Forensic Microscopy (1204) or equivalent.

Day 1
Köhler illumination; Crystal morphology: crystal systems, symmetry elements, axes, forms, interfacial angles, axial ratios

Day 2
Crystal Optics I: refractive index determinations, indices of crystals in each crystal system
Crystal Optics II: Birefringence, retardation, Michel Levy chart, extinction, anomalous optical properties, interference figures

Day 3
Microchemical tests: inorganic ions, organic compounds

Fusion methods: melting points, identity test, form of crystal-front, optical properties of fusion preparations

Day 4
Identification schemes for organic and inorganic high explosives
Isolation and identification of explosive residues

Day 5
Identification of unknowns