MIRA XTR DS handheld Raman spectrometer

Importance of the Topic

Handheld Raman spectroscopy is a cornerstone technology for first responders, military personnel, and industrial analysts who require rapid, non-destructive identification of illicit drugs, explosives, chemical warfare agents, and other hazardous materials in the field. Suppressing fluorescence interference is essential for reliable detection of colored or contaminated samples that can confound conventional Raman systems.

Study Objectives and Overview

This whitepaper presents the design and capabilities of the MIRA XTR DS, billed as the most compact fluorescence-free handheld Raman spectrometer available. Key aims include demonstrating how advanced algorithms at 785 nm laser excitation can match or exceed the performance of conventional 1064 nm systems while offering superior portability, battery life, and sensitivity.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The MIRA XTR DS platform combines a low-power 785 nm laser source with proprietary eXTRact algorithms to reject fluorescence and isolate Raman signatures. A modular attachment system supports multiple sampling modes:

• Intelligent Universal Attachment for through-container analysis of plastics and glass bottles
• Autofocus Standoff Attachment for safe distance sampling up to 2 m
• Contact Ball Probe and Right Angle Attachment for surface and barrel interrogation
• Vial Attachment for powders and liquids in sealed containers
• SERS Attachment for trace-level residue detection

The device interfaces with the HazmasterG3 smartphone app, offering guided workflows such as SmartAcquire for automated sampling, library search, and mixture matching, plus color-coded hazard advisories and 24-hour expert reachback support.

Key Results and Discussion

Comparative tests show that MIRA XTR DS at 785 nm delivers higher sensitivity and spectral resolution than typical 1064 nm instruments without the need for increased laser power. The system’s fluorescence rejection enables clear identification of methamphetamine spiked in diesel fuel and colored explosives such as Semtex. Trace detection of heroin and fentanyl residues is achieved when used with the Illicit Materials ID Kit.

Benefits and Practical Applications

MIRA XTR DS offers:

• Single-handed, pocket-sized operation for rapid deployment
• Extensive on-board library exceeding 20,000 entries for bulk and trace materials
• Extended field runtime with swappable PowerPack battery
• Multi-mode attachments for versatile sampling—through barriers, in standoff, or in direct contact
• Automated mixture matching to deconvolute complex samples

Applications span sensitive site exploitation, clandestine lab investigation, narcotics screening in street samples, and on-scene explosive or CWA identification.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in machine learning and expanded spectral libraries promise further improvements in mixture analysis and automated threat classification. Integration with networked databases and cloud-based analytics will enhance real-time intelligence sharing. Miniaturized detection modules may extend capabilities to new platforms such as drones and wearable sensors.

Conclusion

The MIRA XTR DS represents a significant step forward in portable Raman spectroscopy by combining fluorescence rejection, high sensitivity, and modular sampling in a compact form factor. Its robust feature set and guided workflows make it an invaluable tool for field operations in defense, public safety, and industrial quality control.

Instrumentation Used

MIRA XTR DS handheld Raman spectrometer with 785 nm low-power laser, eXTRact fluorescence rejection algorithms, interchangeable attachments (iUA, autofocus standoff, contact probe, right angle, vial, SERS), swappable PowerPack battery, and HazmasterG3 smartphone application for guided analysis.