Raman spectrometers for the examination of ink, toners and other materials attached to documents

foram®3

785nm Raman Spectrometer for Forensic Applications

Fast, non-destructive and highly effective, Raman spectroscopy is an ideal technique for identifying and comparing substances of forensic value.

Unlike other Raman systems, the foram3 has been developed specifically for forensic examinations and includes dedicated casework management software providing automatic spectral comparisons and data archiving with search and match facilities.

The foram3 can be further enhanced through the addition of a comprehensive library of forensic Raman spectra for the identification of unknowns.

foram3 systems offer forensic scientists the full analytical power of Raman with system features including:

  • Laser spot size of 5 microns diameter
  • External cavity laser for improved stability
  • Adjustable laser power for sample protection
  • A4 size XYZ translation stage
  • Integral video microscope for sample selection
  • Database facilities for identifying unknowns

foram3 users may further enhance the capabilities of their instrument through the purchase of additional Raman Spectra Libraries
for the identification of unknown materials and compounds.

Spectra databases include:

  • Forensic compounds
  • Pharmaceuticals and antibiotics
  • Hazardous and toxic chemicals
  • Dyes, pigments, and stains
  • Psychoactive substances and illicit drug
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Raman Spectrometer Applications

Discriminating Inks & Toners

Raman spectroscopy is an ideal analysis tool for advanced document examinations.
Writing inks, inkjet printer inks, laserjet and photocopier toners can all be analysed and discriminated using Raman spectroscopy.

Click here to view the results of three in-house application studies on Raman for QDE

Drugs of Abuse

Most forensic laboratories use Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for routine drug analysis. However, GC/MS is not always appropriate for differentiating diastereomers such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, precursor materials from which methamphetamine may be synthesized.

Click here to view the results of a study into the discrimination of methamphetamine precursors

Explosives

785nm provides fast non-destructive analysis of explosives and importantly is able to identify a specific explosive due to the “signature” spectrum that the explosive gives. It is able to get positive ID of particles < 3 microns in size.

Click here to view the results of an in-house study into the identification of high explosives

Cosmetics

Lipstick stains are sometimes encountered as physical evidence at crime scenes or from the clothing of a suspect. Using Raman spectroscopy examiners can discriminate between different brands of lipstick regardless of colour.

Click here to view the results into an in-house study into the discrimination of lipsticks