 | | Forensic science In the field of forensic sciences, Raman spectroscopy is predominantly used for the unambiguous identification of unknown substances. Given that Raman is a non-destructive technique, it has the advantage of being able to identify trace amounts of substances without compromising the evidence in any way, even allowing identification to be performed through a glass or plastic container. The high sensitivity, confocal performance and imaging capabilities of the inVia Raman microscope are key requirements, where enforcement agencies require detailed information on materials to obtain a successful prosecution. Renishaw's Raman microscopes have gained international recognition for successfully completing difficult forensic investigations such as distinguishing active drug forms and cutting agents from illicit materials, and proving which ink was deposited first in 'crossed ink' document authentication cases.
The above image shows the contamination distribution in an ecstasy tablet, revealed using StreamLine™ fast Raman imaging capability. The information on contaminants and cutting agents can assist enforcement agencies in identifying the source of illicit substances. For more information of this, and examples of FT-IR Raman analysis of a paint chip sample from a motor vehicle collision case-study, please download the relevant document.
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Selected publications
Forensic analysis of single fibers by Raman spectroscopy (2005), J V Miller et al, Applied Spectroscopy, 1729-1732
On the potential of Raman microscopy for the forensic analysis of colored textile fibers (2005), G Jochem et al, Science and Justice, 42, 215-221
Using Raman spectroscopy to solve crime: inks, questioned documents and fraud (2000), M Claybourn et al, Science and Justice, 40, 261-271
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