Contactless Material Verification and Identification

Importance of the Topic

Rapid and reliable in-field material identification is essential for quality control, regulatory compliance and secure supply chains. Handheld Raman spectroscopy enables non-destructive analysis through packaging, reducing sample transport costs, minimizing contamination risks and enhancing operator safety when dealing with unknown or hazardous substances.

Goals and Overview of the Article

This product note presents the BRAVO handheld Raman spectrometer and its capability for contactless material verification and identification. It highlights the instrument’s design for routine use, its performance through various packaging materials and its compliance with pharmaceutical data integrity standards.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The BRAVO system employs:

• DuoLaser™ excitation covering 300–3200 cm⁻¹ for broad spectral access and high sensitivity
• SSETM fluorescence mitigation algorithm to suppress sample and packaging fluorescence
• Fixed-focus measurement tips for films and a variable-focus tip for barriers up to several millimeters
• Laser Class 1M safety with output power below 100 mW
• Remote operation via WiFi or Ethernet

Main Results and Discussion

– Amber glass absorption at 785 nm and 1064 nm reduces sensitivity by up to 98%, increasing measurement times by a factor of 12 for thick bottles.
– Clear packaging allows nearly undiminished laser and Raman transmission; optimal focus positioning in dedicated tips yields high-quality spectra.
– In PE film measurements, moving focus deeper into talc did not eliminate packaging signal due to absorption effects; however, material-specific spectral ranges can exclude packaging contributions.
– SSE™ processing effectively extracts weak Raman signals (e.g. ammonium sulfate) from intense fluorescence backgrounds in packaging glass.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Non-invasive, on-site analysis with laboratory-grade results supports:

• 100 % incoming goods inspection in manufacturing and distribution
• Customs and border control screening of unknown substances
• Pharmaceutical QC/QA under (c)GMP and 21 CFR Part 11 regulations
• Reduced sample handling and contamination risk
• Enhanced user safety when testing potentially toxic materials

Future Trends and Applications

Development directions include:

• Integration of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) for thicker or highly absorbing barriers
• Enhanced machine-learning algorithms for automated spectral interpretation
• Cloud-based data management and remote expert support
• Expansion to a wider range of packaging polymers and composite materials

Conclusion

BRAVO handheld Raman spectroscopy provides a versatile, safe and efficient solution for contactless material verification through packaging. Its combination of broad spectral excitation, fluorescence suppression and tailored measurement tips delivers rapid, reliable identification in diverse field applications.

References

1. Bruker Product Note T30 03/16, Accuracy is crucial: The starting point for a robust transfer of methods
2. Bruker Product Note R34 05/16, Advanced Data Acquisition and Evaluation in Handheld Raman Spectroscopy
3. Bruker Product Note T29 12/15, Efficient mitigation of fluorescence in Raman spectroscopy using SSE TM