Renishaw InVia InSpect: Raman Microscope for Forensic Trace Analysis

Tom Warwick Raman

The Renishaw inVia InSpect is a new version of Renishaw’s inVia confocal Raman microscope, optimised specifically for use in forensic laboratories for trace chemical analysis.

Blue Scientific is the official distributor for Renishaw Raman in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. For more information or quotes, please get in touch.

Renishaw InVia InSpect

 Contact us on +44 (0)1223 422 269 or info@blue-scientific.com

  

Complementary Technique

The Renishaw InVia InSpect Raman microscope complements the wide range of analytical systems and microscopes in the forensic lab. It can be used alone to analyse samples that cannot be examined fully using other techniques, or it can also be used together with other microscopic imaging techniques to provide more detailed chemical information about the evidence.

Raman in Forensic Trace Analysis: Explosives
Overlaid Raman images of a bank note. White = black ink; Green = green ink; Yellow = Unique paper fibres; Red = trace explosives.

Why use Raman?

The inVia InSpect can identify materials that would be difficult or time consuming to analyse using other methods. For example, hard crystalline powders, ceramic shards and glass chips can all be analysed easily without preparation.

The powerful confocal Raman capabilities deliver pinpoint analysis without interference from surrounding materials. This is important for analysing complex structures containing layers, voids or inclusions.

We have spoken with staff at forensics laboratories worldwide and identified a need for a highly sensitive Raman microscope that can process samples that are currently not compatible with more commonly used microscopy systems… Renishaw’s inVia Raman microscope is one of the best on the market, renowned for its ultra-sensitivity and overall efficiency. We have honed it and added features to optimise it for use in the majority of forensic laboratories. Users will be able to process more samples, more rapidly; even those which are usually difficult or time consuming to analyse. Furthermore, samples will retain their integrity as minimal preparation is required. And users who are unfamiliar with Raman will find the InSpect simple to learn and easy to use.
Dr Chris Dyer, Product Manager for Chemical and Forensic Sciences at Renishaw
Raman in Forensics: Drugs
Trace amounts of cocaine particles in a fingerprint.
Red = Fingerprint residue. White = Cocaine particles.

Ideal for Forensics

Raman spectroscopy is a non-contact and typically non-destructive analytical technique. This enables you to analyse evidence multiple times without damage or contamination.

Little or no sample preparation is required, making it a quick and convenient technique to use.

Raman spectroscopy also works through transparent containers and in solution, so samples that are potentially dangerous or require special handling can be examined safely and without contamination.

Renishaw InSpect Forensic Analyser

Features of the InVia InSpect

  • Automated data collection and analysis – Saving time and increasing throughput of samples
  • Range of microscopic contrast techniques – including bright field, dark field and polarisation contrast
  • Integrated video camera and long working distance objectives – Locate points/areas of interest, even on complex substrates
  • Fully integrated confocal capability – Choose the best confocal settings to precisely define the region you’re looking at.
  • Powerful chemical image creation – Mapping techniques to reveal the distribution of components within a sample.
  • Particle analysis – Advanced image recognition algorithms and instrument control features to characterise particle distribution.
  • Correlative imaging – Import data from other microscopy techniques to create composite images rich in information.
  • Dual laser wavelengths – Choose the wavelength which gives the best Raman data for each sample type, without changing optics or gratings.
  • Automated calibration and alignment – Easy to use and optimise
  • Options for specialist forensics applications – Tailor the system to your exact requirements with accessories and upgrades. Contact us for details.
Raman in Forensic Ink Analysis
White light and Raman images of pen ink. The Raman image shows that two different inks were used and reveals the order of the strokes.

More Information

Blue Scientific is the official distributor of Renishaw Raman in the Nordic region. We’re available to answer all your questions – just get in touch:

 Contact us on +44 (0)1223 422 269 or info@blue-scientific.com

 View the Renishaw Raman range