# Raman for Forensic Science

> Raman Microspectrometers are used to identify drugs, explosives and trace evidence.

Source: https://www.microspectra.com/solutions/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.

The sample

![Cross-section through an automotive paint chip, showing its layers](https://www.microspectra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Automative-Paint-Chip-Cross-Section.jpg)

*A paint chip in cross-section — the trace evidence named below, under the objective.*

What it returns

![Raman spectroscopy of forensic evidence](https://www.microspectra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Raman-785-Acetaminophen-350x240-1.jpg)

*Raman spectrum of a common drug.*

## The instrument for this work

[CRAIC Apollo™ Raman Spectrometer](https://www.microspectra.com/products/apollo-m-confocal-raman-microspectrometer/)

Confocal Raman on samples a few microns across, with the multiple lasers that resonance Raman work on dyes and pigments needs.

[Request information](https://www.microspectra.com/contact-us/contact-us/?product=Raman%20forensic%20solutions#rfi-form)

## Background reading

- [The Science of Raman Microspectroscopy](https://www.microspectra.com/support/the-science/raman-science/)
- [Units Used in Spectroscopy](https://www.microspectra.com/support/the-science/units-for-microspectroscopy/)
- [Raman Microspectrometer Design](https://www.microspectra.com/support/the-science/microraman-spectrometer-design/)
- [Raman Spectrometer Design](https://www.microspectra.com/technical-support/283-raman-spectrometer-design/)
- [Microscope Objective Types](https://www.microspectra.com/support/learn/what-are-microscope-objective-classes/)
- [How a Raman Microspectrometer is Used](https://www.microspectra.com/support/the-science/micro-raman-spectroscopy-applications/)