Through-container analysis with Raman spectroscopy

Safely identify materials without contact

The innovative Metrohm TacticID-1064 ST allows users to test through packaging and analyse the contents. See-through analysis is fast, easy, and prevents operator and material exposure to potential contaminants. TacticID-1064 ST is the first handheld 1064 nm Raman device capable of testing through paper, plastic, and glass barriers - even mixed, multi-layer, or coloured materials.
First responders facing potentially deadly substances and situations benefit most from see-through sampling. From content ID of a suspicious bag during a traffic stop to analysis of homemade incendiary devices, every second counts and nothing can be left to chance. TacticID-1064 ST also benefits manufacturers who perform raw material verification. Operators can test container contents without exposure and get results in seconds. This streamlines QC and supports 100% testing of incoming goods. It also enables 90% of testing to happen at the point of receipt and avoids delays in production due to laboratory wait times.

Introduction 

All Raman systems have some inherent ability to test through thin and transparent barriers like glass vials and clear plastic. Thick barriers - especially opaque or coloured glass, plastic, and multiple layers of paper - require a modified optical system. TacticID-1064 ST (TID1064ST, Figure 1) handheld Raman system uses 1064 nm laser excitation to penetrate through packaging and analyse the contents of almost any container.
The ability to identify the contents of containers without opening them significantly expands a device’s application range. This means that users can perform non-invasive scans for identification of unknowns or quality control in manufacturing. Ultimately, TID1064ST can enhance the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of material identification.
Figure 1. Finding contraband - from fentanyl to anthrax - in the mail is a very real issue. The ability of Raman to scan through paper is an invaluable asset.

Configuration

• The TacticID®-1064 ST is a 1064 nm handheld Raman analyser for rapid field identification of explosives, narcotics, and other suspicious materials. The see-through capability of the TacticID-1064 ST can nondestructively analyse samples through opaque and transparent packaging, with sample threat level displayed prominently for first responders, safety personnel, law enforcement, bomb squads, customs and border protection, and hazmat teams to act quickly with minimal sample contact.
• Metrohm Comprehensive Raman Library - More than 27,700 spectral entries of chemicals, minerals, organic chemicals, solvents, polymers, dyes and pigments, TICs, TIMs, inorganics and organometallics, personal care products, and illicit materials for the Metrohm TacticID-1064 ST.
• Metrohm Illicit and General Chemicals Raman Library for the Metrohm TacticID-1064 ST includes drugs, TICs, TIMs, precursors, and general chemicals.
• TDL-EXP: Explosives library for the Metrohm TacticID-1064 ST
• TDL-XM-CWA: Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) library for the Metrohm TacticID-1064 ST.

See-through capabilities

TID1064ST with the See-Through (ST) Smart Attachment can measure samples situated inside bottles, envelopes, and even dense chemical storage containers. A unique data analysis algorithm quickly identifies and separates the container signature from the sample signature, accurately identifying both. Users can obtain reliable data in seconds, enhancing decision-making processes and streamlining workflows. A comprehensive library significantly enhances the device’s versatility, enabling users to confidently identify thousands of materials.

Sampling options for see-through analysis

Each TID1064ST Smart Attachment is recognised by the device, which automatically adjusts sampling specifics. The ST Attachment is ideal for thicker, opaque containers and packaging. This includes multiple layers of mixed materials like a solid sample wrapped in plastic inside of an envelope. It is not appropriate for liquid samples. 
Other TID1064ST Smart Attachments (Figure 2) can be used in some through-packaging scenarios:
• General: 5.5 mm working distance. Suitable for solid, gel, and liquid samples in transparent/translucent containers.
• Long Working Distance: 8 mm working distance. Suitable for solids and liquids in thick-walled bottles and containers. The Bottle Adapter is an optional addition that optimises contact between the device and curved surfaces.
• Short Working Distance: Suitable for direct contact surface testing and sampling of solid, gel, and liquid samples in thin transparent containers, such as thin plastic baggies.

Best practices for good results

Avoid exposure to ambient light at the aperture by holding the Smart Attachment firmly against the sample container during the entire scan. Do not move the device or the sample during acquisition.
Choose the appropriate attachment for the sampling situation. The General Attachment is suitable for most use cases.
While the Auto setting on TID1064ST is the fastest way to obtain accurate results, the device has options to improve results:

• Auto: The default setting that uses algorithms to automatically determine the best results.
• New container: Allows the user to create a temporary new container spectrum for unknown container types.
• Container type: Select a container from the known container library.
• Transparent/none: Select this option to optimise the matching algorithms for clear containers.
Finally, the visual sampling guides on the TID1064ST screen provide helpful tips on which attachment is best for a particular situation along with sampling guidelines (Figure 3).

Sample report

The TID1064ST PDF report includes key acquisition parameters and sample spectra overlaid with library references (Figure 4). When Container mode is selected for sampling, the Sample Report will include sample, container, and reference spectra.

Applications 

Through-container analysis significantly expands TacticID-1065 ST’s application range, enabling users to perform non-invasive scans in a variety of situations, from hazardous material identification to quality control in manufacturing.

Table 1. Sample and container types accompanied by relevant application use.

Sample    Container    Application

Caffeine    Plastic bag + 3-layer pink plastic bag
Two-layer light blue nitrile glove
    Known narcotic cutting agent
Mannitol    Plastic bag + 8-layer pink plastic bag    Known narcotic cutting agent 
Sodium bicarbonate    Plastic bag in blue nylon stuff sack    See-through white powder analysis
Sodium bicarbonate    Plastic bag in green manila folder    Quick, on-the-spot testing of mail 
Aspirin    Manufacturer’s bottle    Quality control checks
Absinthe (65%)    Clear glass    Authentication
Cyclohexane    Amber glass    Raw material identification
Glycerin    Polyethylene bottle    Raw material identification
Acetaminophen    Blister pack    Authentication of black-market drugs

Conclusion

TacticID-1064 ST is the first 1064 nm Raman system capable of «see-through» analysis, allowing users to identify the contents of containers without opening them. The ability to test through barriers ensures that users can perform more scans in more locations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and accuracy in their work.