In Raman spectroscopy, accurate and sensitive identification of chemicals and materials can be compromised by fluorescence from laser excitation of the target substance itself and/or interferents in the sample matrix. Fluorescence emission in Raman spectra reduces the signal-to-noise ratio and can obscure signature peaks assigned to the unique Raman-active vibrational modes of molecules. This restricts the breadth of illicit and hazardous materials that can be identified for actionable intelligence by first responders, law enforcement agents, as well as military and customs personnel. Recent advances have had some success in mitigating the impact of fluorescence on data quality; however, compact commercially available Raman devices that provide a universal solution for suppressing fluorescence are lacking. MIRA XTR DS fills this void with a state-of-the-art handheld Raman system that is capable of material identification in complex environments.
