Comparison of near infrared laser excitation wavelengths and its influence on the interrogation of seized drugs-of-abuse by Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

The laser excitation wavelength is an important parameter in obtaining Raman spectra from drugs-of-abuse. This article compares the effect of near infrared wavelengths, 785 nm, using both benchtop and portable instrumentation and benchtop 1064 nm on the Raman spectra of seized drugs-of-abuse, including cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine freebase (crack), methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('ecstasy'), amphetamine, diamorphine (heroin) and cannabis. The significant benefit of using 1064 nm for the interrogation of this type of sample is highlighted. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.