Abstract: A method of performing Raman spectroscopy, and an apparatus for performing the method, including irradiating, with laser light, a trace amount of a target substance disposed on a painted surface, receiving reflected laser light and a Raman return signal from the trace amount of the target substance, processing the Raman return signal using, at least, a spectrograph and camera to obtain a Raman signature for the target substance, and identifying the target substance based on the Raman signature for the target substance and a database of Raman signatures. The laser light wavelength may be selected based on a ratio of Raman return signal power to fluorescence power.

Abstract: A method of performing Raman spectroscopy, and an apparatus for performing the method, including irradiating, with laser light, a trace amount of a target substance disposed on a painted surface, receiving reflected laser light and a Raman return signal from the trace amount of the target substance, processing the Raman return signal using, at least, a spectrograph and camera to obtain a Raman signature for the target substance, and identifying the target substance based on the Raman signature for the target substance and a database of Raman signatures. The laser light wavelength may be selected based on a ratio of Raman return signal power to fluorescence power.

Abstract: A spectroscopic identification method and system are provided that uses the primary or main spectroscopic features of a source, such as those as arising from chemical functional groups, to describe and distinguish the source. These primary spectroscopic features make up a portion (i.e., are a subset) of the entire spectroscopic data for a particular source but can nevertheless be used as the basis of separating spectra from multiple source. When analyzing spectroscopic data obtained from a sample for one or more sources, the analysis first focuses on the primary spectroscopic features for a source rather than the entire spectra for a source.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for analyzing a substance using spectroscopy techniques. Raman scattered energy and fluorescence scattered energy are simultaneously excited in the substance from a beam of ultraviolet light. The Raman scattered energy and the fluorescence scattered energy, as well as the fluorescence energy lifetime are detected and analyzed to characterize or identify the substance.