Raman Analyzer for Illicit Drugs

Group 2 Spring 2024

University of Central Florida

College of Optics and Photonics
College of Engineering and Computer Science Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering




Project Description

This project's main objective is to develop a Raman spectrometer designed for detecting substances in beverages. The user will interact with a touch screen to select the drink they are testing. The Raman spectrometer will then analyze the beverage and provide results in real-time. This Raman spectrometer, named Raman analyzer for illicit drugs (RAID), utilizes a laser driver and a 532nm laser diode. (This wavelength was chosen for its efficiency in Raman scattering and compatibility with a wide range of substances.) This serves as the excitation source, illuminating the beverage and inducing a Raman effect – a shift in the frequency of scattered light, which is characteristic of the molecular composition of the substance in question. A collimating lens and notch filter may be necessary to filter the pump.


Committee

Dr. Leland Nordin

Dr. Madhuri Bhangale


Meet the Team

Michael Soto is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Photonic Science and Engineering in Summer 2024. Currently conducting research at the Advanced Photonic Devices Lab, he plans to pursue graduate studies post-graduation at CREOL.

Nicole Parker is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Photonic Science and Engineering in Summer 2024. She hopes to pursue a career in biophotonics.

Jean Georges is a graduating Computer Engineering student at the University of Central Florida, graduating in Summer 2024.

Asha Waters will be graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering in Summer 2024. After which she plans to work in software engineering.