Abstract: A CTD and method of using a CTD for automatic sampling and analysis of target analytes, such as explosive materials, chemical warfare agents, and narcotics present on documents or other articles is provided. The CTD comprises an article processing mechanism, a swabbing medium, a thermal desorber, and a spectrometer.

Abstract: A CTD and method of using a CTD for automatic sampling and analysis of target analytes, such as explosive materials, chemical warfare agents, and narcotics present on documents or other articles is provided. The CTD comprises an article processing mechanism, a swabbing medium, a thermal desorber, and a spectrometer.

Abstract: The flash units are housed in reflector assemblies and actuated in a sequence that entirely exposes both sides of the sheet while drawing a constant amount of electrical power. Constructions of the reflector include an extruded housing, snap-in replaceable reflector surfaces, and a manifold structure that achieves cooling, fume scavenging and paper flattening. In one embodiment a two-sided sheet moves past a pair of oppositely directed flash units which are powered by a single power supply. A specularly reflective surface provides a level of reflected illumination which complements the light received directly from the flash tube to provide a constant level of illumination and fuse a toned image.