Molecular spectroscopy in forensics

Get the right analytical technique for answers that confidently identify crime scene samples—from opioids to paint chips to counterfeit paper. Whether your lab is consumed by a drug crisis or busy identifying a backlog of crime scene evidence, the right instruments help move cases from investigate to solve.

FTIR and Raman spectroscopy make the best techniques for non-destructively and rapidly identifying and analyzing chemical composition. Used together or individually, these techniques can analyze a variety of crime scene evidence and chemical puzzles. With the right sampling accessories and spectral libraries, you can examine practically anything that comes into your lab. See below on how to solve the most common forensic cases, or talk with a specialist about what your lab needs to be its best.

Featured application note

Distinguishing isomers of fentanyl analogs using FT-Raman

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (FAs) is becoming a major driver of opioid overdose. We have demonstrated that FT-Raman spectroscopy is a safe, fast, and complementary technique for the detection and identification of powders and other apprehended materials including fentanyl.

In this note, two examples of distinguishing FA isomers using FT-Raman spectroscopy are described. A pair of constitutional isomers: butyryl fentanyl and isobutyryl fentanyl, and a pair of geometric isomers: cis- and trans3-methyl fentanyl were analyzed by FT-Raman.

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Featured webinar

Webinar: How to analyze 12 different forensic samples

In this 35-minute webinar, How to Analyze 12 Different Forensic Samples we’ll review 12 forensic case analyses and the techniques used to move them from investigate to solved. Sample types include everything from hair to drugs to explosives. This webinar also covers why FTIR and Raman spectroscopy are highly adopted by forensic teams around the world.

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Our solutions support law enforcement and criminal justice efforts to deal with large quantities of seized drug evidence, to analyze and ID emerging synthetic designer drugs, and distinguish exact identity among similar drugs.

Controlled substances

Featured products for controlled substance analysis

Nicolet iS50 FTIR Spectrometer
Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer
Nicolet iN10 FTIR Microscope

Find peer-proven paper and ink investigation tools to assist forensic document examiners view suspicious articles regarding theft identity, forgery, counterfeiting, fraud, or uttering of a forged document.

Suspicious documents

Featured products for suspicious document analysis

Nicolet iN10 FTIR Microscope
Nicolet RaptIR+ FTIR Microscope

Most materials analyses require multi-dimensional analysis to provide the full picture. Using a combination of FTIR microscopes and spectrometers along with advances in Raman technology, you can enhance the probative value of your evidence.

Trace evidence detection

Featured products for trace evidence detection

Nicolet iS50 FTIR Spectrometer
Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer
Nicolet iN10 FTIR Microscope