Using Raman Spectroscopy in Illicit Drug Investigations Involving Cocaine
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Elisa Laurenzano
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Chemistry
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Subhasish Chatterjee, Matthew Mongelli
Abstract:
Research for this project is about how Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy are used in illicit drug investigations involving cocaine. Raman spectroscopy is well researched and a respected method to use in drug investigations. It can even be portable and brought to crime scenes while providing accurate results that do not damage the evidence. More accurate results can be found in the laboratory, but the fact that it can be brought to a crime scene makes it quite efficient. There are even carbon dot sensing probes being used to identify drugs inside of beverages, and in turn can also be used to detect specific drugs that are mixed with other liquid drugs, such as cocaine mixed with fentanyl. All that is required for this method are hC-dots, a UV light, and a camera or smartphone. These methods are efficient and low cost, and which makes them notable in forensics compared to older methods.