Raman for Forensic Science

Raman Spectroscopy In Forensic Science

Raman spectroscopy is used to identify many types of forensic evidence such as drugs, explosives and trace evidence.

Drugs

Raman microspectroscopy is commonly used to identify even microscopic amounts of drugs even when mixed with other materials.

Explosives

Raman spectroscopy can identify many types of explosives from even the smallest samples. Many explosives have strong and readily identifiable Raman signatures. Even trace residues may be identified using Raman microspectroscopy.

Trace Evidence

Raman spectroscopy is useful in analyzing trace evidence such as paint chips and textile fibers. Dyes and pigments may also be analyzed using resonance Raman spectroscopy which yields on the order of a millionfold increase in signal if the correct lasers are used This necessitates a system with multiple lasers.