Tackling field-portable Raman spectroscopy of real world samples

Neil C. Shand

doi:10.1117/12.802345

7 October 2008 Tackling field-portable Raman spectroscopy of real world samples

Neil C. Shand

Proceedings Volume 7119, Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism and Crime Fighting IV; 71190J (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.802345
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2008, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Abstract

A major challenge confronting first responders, customs authorities and other security-related organisations is the accurate, rapid, and safe identification of potentially hazardous chemicals outside a laboratory environment. Currently, a range of hand portable Raman equipment is commercially available that is low cost and increasingly more sophisticated. These systems are generally based on the 785nm Stokes shifted Raman technique with many using dispersive grating spectrometers. This technique offers a broad range of capabilities including the ability to analyse illicit drugs, explosives, chemical weapons and pre-cursors but still has some fundamental constraints. 'Real world' samples, such as those found at a crime scene, will often not be presented in the most accessible manner. Simple issues such as glass fluorescence can make an otherwise tractable sample impossible to analyse in-situ. A new generation of portable Raman equipment is currently being developed to address these issues. Consideration is given to the use of longer wavelength for fluorescence reduction. Alternative optical designs are being tested to compensate for the signal reduction incurred by moving to longer wavelengths. Furthermore, the use of anti-Stokes spectroscopy is being considered as well as investigating the robustness and portability of traditional Fourier Transform interferometer designs along with future advances in detector technology and ultra small spectrometers.

Citation Download Citation

Neil C. Shand "Tackling field-portable Raman spectroscopy of real world samples", Proc. SPIE 7119, Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism and Crime Fighting IV, 71190J (7 October 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.802345

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