Patent attributes
Standoff ultra-compact micro-Raman sensors configured to receive Raman scattering from a substance are disclosed. A laser device may be configured to transmit a laser at a first wavelength. The laser may be expanded to a predetermined size, focused through a lens, and made incident on an unknown substance. A filter may reflect the laser and Rayleigh scattering from the substance, but may permit Raman scattering and laser-induced fluorescence from the substance. One or more lenses and/or filters may receive and pass the Raman scattering and/or laser-induced fluorescence to a light sensor. The received Raman scattering and/or laser-induced fluorescence may be compared to known fingerprints of substances to determine an identity of the substance. The wavelength of the laser, the width of the laser, and other parameters may be varied based on the distance between the standoff ultra-compact micro-Raman sensor and the substance.