Illicit drug detection with laser 1: investigation of optimal parameters in stomach tissue

J Biomed Opt. 2014 May;19(5):057006. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.19.5.057006.

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to establish radiation-safe scanning of passersby at high security areas, such as airports and customs. The stomach was selected as the organ to be analyzed. In order to determine whether a substance found inside a human body as wrapped in a plastic bag is filled narcotics or not, many substances in white powder form including morphine-HCL were inspected. Inspection was carried out with on-ionizing radiation by irradiating stomach tissue with laser light. Optical transmittance of lamb stomach tissue was analyzed at different wavelengths. We showed that detection by 650-nm diode laser irradiation would be suitable for such a radiation-safe scan. Different materials were also investigated for absorptive properties, and closed system Raman studies were performed. The spectrum of a molecule found inside white powder placed behind the lamb stomach tissue was detected as a fingerprint. This allowed the detection of target substances without any physical contact or damage to the biological tissue.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Forensic Sciences / methods*
  • Lasers, Solid-State / adverse effects*
  • Morphine Derivatives / chemistry
  • Sheep
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Stomach / pathology
  • Stomach / radiation effects*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / adverse effects
  • Substance Abuse Detection / methods*

Substances

  • Morphine Derivatives