Neurophysiological Procedures for the Detection of Explosives

Abstract : The aim of this project was to determine the feasibility of employing the rat as a biodetector for TNT. Studies were undertaken at NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories which explored the use of voluntary (operant) and involuntary (classical) conditioning techniques. The emphasis of this project was on the conditioning of an involuntary response: brain wave activity. Once it was established that the rat could be utilized as a biodetector, steps were taken to find those classical conditioning and recording parameters which would maximize detection capabilities. The final portions of this report include technical data which may prove to be useful to the researcher or applied scientist. This report deals both with the general principles in the development of biodetectors and also with the specific, technical data collected in the studies. The first part of this report was written for the reader with no technical background in psychology, physiology, or electrical engineering. Although this project was specifically directed toward the development of a biodetector for TNT, a similar biodetection system could be developed for any substance which produces sensory cues. The techniques described here have also been used successfully in the development of biodetectors for water contaminants.