No abstract

Motivated by the lack of efficient detection techniques for metal-free trinitrotoluene (TNT) containing landmines, 1H-14N cross-relaxation experiments on TNT have been performed using field-cycling spectroscopy in an electronically switchable volume coil. Using 1H NMR detection (indirect method), the 14N quadrupole spectra in several small (about 0.5 g) TNT samples of different producers are determined. The experiment is considered as a step toward a double resonance TNT landmine detection scheme using surface coils.

No abstract

It is predicted that nanotechnology (NT) will bring revolutionary changes in many areas, with the potential for both great benefits and great risks. Developments in the military could entail specific dangers, containment of which will need special analysis and effort. Military research and development in NT is expanding rapidly. Potential future applications span all areas of warfare. Special dangers to arms control and stability may arise from new biological weapons and microrobots. For humans and society, non-medical body implants – possibly made more acceptable via the military – raise a number of problems concerning human nature. Further research is needed to find the best way to avoid possible dangers. For the near and medium term, several guidelines for limits and restrictions are suggested. As a first step, transparency and international cooperation should be improved.