Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Trace Identification of Controlled Substances: Morphine, Codeine, and Hydrocodone

• NCJ Number: 255354
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 1 Dated: Jan 2011 Pages: 200-207
• Author(s): Vinesh Rana; Maria V. Canamares; Thomas Kubic; Marco Leona; John R. Lombardi
• Date Published: January 2011
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2006-DN-BX-K034
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Development of Advanced Raman Spectroscopy Methods and Databases for the Evaluation of Trace Evidence and the Examination of Questioned Documents

Annotation

This article reports on a research project that obtained the normal Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectrum of three controlled substances: morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. 

Abstract

The spectra were assigned with the aid of density functional theory. Because of intense fluorescence, normal Raman spectra suffered from poor signal‐to‐noise, even when differential subtraction techniques were used. On the other hand, surface enhancement by Ag nanoparticles both enhanced the Raman signal and suppressed the fluorescence, enabling more sensitive detection and identification. The article also presents a set of discriminant bands, useful for distinguishing the three compounds despite the similarities in their structures. (publisher abstract modified)