See-through ID with Raman technology

Significance of the topic

Raman spectroscopy is pivotal for nondestructive identification in scientific, medical and law enforcement contexts. Traditional systems require direct contact or transparent barriers which restrict rapid field analysis when packages are opaque. The advancement of see through Raman with 1064 nm laser removes this barrier and enables safer operation by analyzing contents through standard packaging while avoiding exposure to unknown substances.

Objectives and Overview

This study aims to evaluate the ability of a handheld Raman analyzer to perform through package identification of various materials and excipients. It demonstrates measurement of solids encapsulated in white polyethylene bottles, kraft paper sacks, coated tablets and envelopes using advanced data processing to subtract container signals. The goal is to verify identification accuracy under challenging packaging scenarios.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Advanced see through Raman technology was implemented on a handheld device operating at 1064 nm excitation. Key features include a large sampling area, proprietary algorithms for container signal removal and reduced fluorescence. The main instrument was a handheld TacticID 1064ST. The following attachments supported diverse sample interfaces

• See through adapter for opaque packaging
• General and polystyrene attachments for direct solid sampling
• Vial holder and immersion probe for liquid analysis
• Right angle and long working distance probes for hard to reach samples

Main Results and Discussion

Through white polyethylene bottles, the system reliably identified sodium benzoate with clear Raman signatures after container signal subtraction. Coated tablets with dark surface layers retained key spectral features enabling correct identification. In pharmaceutical kraft paper bag trials, all test compounds including weak Raman scatterers such as trisodium phosphate yielded hit quality indices above threshold. The system consistently exceeded an HQI of 85 with a margin above the next candidate, confirming robust performance through multi layer packaging.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enables nondestructive analysis through opaque materials reducing sample preparation
• Improves safety by avoiding direct contact with potentially hazardous substances
• Speeds up field workflows for first responders, customs and border control
• Supports rapid raw material verification in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing
• Reduces downtime in quality assurance and inbound inspection processes

Future Trends and Opportunities

Integration with machine learning based spectral libraries will enhance discrimination in complex mixtures and reduce false positives. Further miniaturization and wireless connectivity could support remote monitoring applications. Expansion into biological and environmental sensing through multilayer barriers opens new avenues for on site diagnostics and security screening.

Conclusion

See through Raman spectroscopy operating at 1064 nm effectively extends nondestructive chemical identification to opaque and multilayer packaging. The methodology delivers high identification confidence across various sample types without compromising safety or speed. This innovation broadens the utility of handheld Raman instruments across industrial, forensic and regulatory domains.