Our Technology
We combine high performing spectroscopy hardware, proprietary spectra processing methods, and user-friendly software.
How it Works: Enhanced Molecular Fingerprinting
Amplifi ID leverages the power of Raman spectroscopy and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to detect unique scattered light signatures from samples. Raman signatures are so information rich and specific to organic substances that scientists have coined them “molecular fingerprints”. Even more, the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG) defines Raman as a Category A technique, as it can "provide the highest level of selectivity through structural information".
The complex structural information is analyzed by our expert-designed signal processing methods and database of molecular fingerprints. When fingerprint matches are made, Amplifi ID will communicate to you what has been identified in plain language.
The identification algorithms are designed to be explainable, and you can use our visualization tools to toggle between known references of the chemical in question to understand the spectral evidence behind a result.
The Value of Detailed Chemical Fingerprinting
The high level of detail that Raman signatures provide help to give operators a more nuanced and specific understanding of what is in their sample. We can see an example of why this is important by looking at a Drug Checking use case.
Here you can see the chemical structures and Raman signatures for two separate substances. While mostly similar, there are minor yet distinct differences in their profile.
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These subtle differences are key to differentiating between standard Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base (Freebase or Crack).
Want to learn more?
An introduction to the science behind Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and the strengths and weaknesses of each method for drug identification.
Check out our 2024 white paper for this non-opiate sedative, where we demonstrate Amplifi ID's ability to detect it in street drugs, and compare our performance to FTIR.
For any questions you may have, technical or otherwise, please reach out via our contact form and we will do our best to get back to you within two business days.