CBP officers routinely use handheld devices to identify unknown substances on-site. They use gadgets such as these:
Thermo Scientific Gemini
This analyzer combines Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in a single handheld unit. It identifies a wide range of unknow liquids, solids, and mixtures, including narcotics and explosives.
Thermo Scientific TruNarc
Using Raman spectroscopy, this handheld analyzer identifies over 1200 controlled substances, precursors, and cutting agents.
908 Devices MX908
This handheld device uses high-pressure mass spectroscopy (HPMS) to detect trace-level amounts of substances, including high-potency drugs like fentanyl.
Now, needless to say these devices are nowhere near the monetary capabilities of the average Joe. So, my question is:
Are there one or more official Arduino sensor packages which could play the role or roles of any of the devices listed above?
Interesting certainly. I didn't see the word Arduino in there but admittedly only did a quick scan. I gave up on a Raspberry PI version of a Raman spectrometer as it was pretty cumbersome. 3D printed parts using special heat-resistant plastics which would give off carcinogenic fumes during printing...
I'm new to Arduino (as in I heard the word yesterday!) and I'm under the impression that Arduino have more or less replaced (which I realize is not the right word) Raspberry PI. I think I understand they're two different things...?
That was exactly what I understood. Even though you use an Arduino you might have use for a Raspberry PI to replace a laptop if you want to minimize your gizmo.
If you are looking for a DIY open source Raman spectrometer, this project is going to be of interest to you, even though it doesn't happen to involve an Arduino.
I'm certain you can find a way to use Arduino to enhance the usage of the spectrometer.
As I understand, the Mass spectrometer is a bunch of complex and expensive hardware and materials - a high pressure or vacuum pumps, a detectors, a pure solvents etc Typical mass-spectrometer cost a tens or hundreds thousands dollars. It needs, of course, a controller - usually a PC or dedicated one, but its part in the price is relatively low. If someone spend a lot of money on hardware and materials, it is not a good idea to use an Arduino controller which definitively not able to controls whole process properly.
Yes, I admit mass spectroscopy might be a little too ambitious. Especially if we would want to minimize the size of the gadget. That leaves Raman spectroscopy as I understand it for now, but as I said I haven't looked too much into it. Just trying to get a feeling for what is possible for now.
Not official Arduino, but Arduino-compatible sensors are available that, for example, are highly specific for certain gases and compounds (CO2, NO, methane, etc.). The ones that are calibrated and actually worth buying are not cheap.
One thing that perplexes me a little is that the few actual paper specs that are included mention power adapters, which in my mind, are gizmos looking this:
…but none such are included. I can probably reduce the output of that particular adapter from 12 to 5 V. I just want to make sure I’m not ignoring something obvious here.
Are these normally not included in the various “sets” or is there something more basic I’m overlooking (apart from the fact that I may’ve been “cheated” and adapters or yes, simple batteriets are something you’re expected to possess in abundance?
A setup consisting of an Arduino board, connected to one or two sensors such as the Sparkfun Spectroscopy Triad, is usually powered from the PC via the USB cable. As explained in the Sparkfun Hookup Guide for that particular sensor.
