Raman spectrometers for accurate forensic analyses

Forensic scientists face strong pressures to analyse an ever-expanding number of samples and provide rapid, factual and precise results that courts can rely upon to reach a verdict.

Thermo Electron says its Raman spectrometers enable laboratories to perform evidence analyses quickly and accurately.

Due to its intrinsic sampling properties, Raman spectroscopy is an advanced analytical technique that provides forensic pathology and crime laboratories with rapid and accurate sample characterisation while maintaining evidence integrity, it says.

Thermo says its Raman spectrometers have benefited from years of steady improvement in instrument design which has led to investigative tools that are compact, incorporate extensive automation and are fully validatable to strict regulatory standards.

In contrast to Raman spectrometers of the past, modern Raman spectrometers are walk-up instruments that are easy to maintain and which provide accurate and reproducible answers to complex problems.

As a result, there is growing interest in employing Raman spectroscopic analysis in the field of forensic science.

Forensic scientists use Thermo's Raman spectrometers for the identification of many drug compounds.

Since glass and plastic packaging are weak Raman scatterers, Raman spectroscopy permits seized evidence to be analysed and identified while it remains in its sealed evidence bag.

This provides positive sample identification, while eliminating the chance of cross contamination or evidence tampering.

Thermo also provides the technology to run accurate and non-destructive trace analysis of samples with its dedicated line of Raman spectrometers and microscopes.

This powerful technique can be used on fibres, paints, powders and liquids consisting of any organic and many inorganic materials.

Reference databases are available to facilitate the identification.