Metrohm TacticID Product Line

Significance of the topic

Handheld Raman spectroscopy systems have become essential tools for rapid, non-destructive identification of hazardous substances in security, pharmaceutical, and law enforcement applications. Their portability, ease of use, and extensive spectral libraries enable on-site decision making and threat mitigation without the need for extensive sample preparation.

Aims and overview

This document presents the TacticID® product line, a series of handheld Raman analyzers designed to detect narcotics, explosives, toxic chemicals, and common industrial compounds. The overview covers device models, performance characteristics, software features, and available support services.

Methodology and instrumentation

The TacticID instruments rely on laser-excited Raman scattering to generate chemical fingerprints. Key methodological aspects include:

• Laser wavelengths at 785 nm or 1064 nm, adjustable power settings.
• Spectral ranges spanning approximately 176 to 2900 cm⁻¹ with resolution between 9 and 11 cm⁻¹.
• Data processing algorithms for match/no-match screening and mixture analysis.
• On-board libraries supporting tens of thousands of substances, including narcotics, explosives, precursors, and solvents.

Operational modes feature touch-screen and hard-key input, as well as see-through packaging analysis.

Used instrumentation

The product line comprises five models: TacticID®-N Plus, GP Plus, 1064, 1064 ST, and Mobile. Main specifications:

• Laser excitation: 785 nm at 300 mW or 1064 nm at 220–450 mW, power adjustable in 1% increments.
• Detectors: Linear CCD array or TE-cooled InGaAs array.
• Spectral libraries: from 1,200 to over 13,000 entries, including optional specialized libraries for chemical warfare agents.
• Accessories: point-and-shoot optics, vial holders, adaptors for bottles, immersion probes, and TacPac software.
• Power: Rechargeable Li-ion batteries offering 4 to 7 hours of continuous use and car charger support.
• Compliance: IP65 or IP68 ingress protection and MIL-STD 810H drop rating.

Main results and discussion

The TacticID series demonstrates robust performance in real-world scenarios, with rapid identification times and high confidence indexing for pure substances and mixtures. The dual laser options address fluorescence interference, while the extensive libraries enhance selectivity and reduce false positives.

Benefits and practical applications

These handheld units enable:

• Immediate field screening of illicit drugs, precursors, and explosives.
• Quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Hazardous material identification for first responders.
• Regulatory compliance through built-in validation routines.

Future trends and potential applications

Advancements may include expanded libraries with AI-driven spectral matching, enhanced sensitivity through detector improvements, wireless connectivity for cloud-based data sharing, and integration with complementary techniques (e.g., FTIR or MS) in modular handheld platforms.

Conclusion

The TacticID® Raman analyzers deliver a comprehensive, field-portable solution for rapid chemical identification. Their combination of rugged hardware, user-friendly software, and extensive libraries addresses critical needs in security, public safety, and industrial quality assurance.