Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates let you make fast, repeatable measurements for the identification and quantification of SERS-active analytes. Typical applications include trace level detection of narcotics, pesticides and taggants. Here are some key applications:

• Detection of narcotics. Fast identification of drugs in the field is a real boon for those combating drug-related crime. Often only small residues of a sample can be collected from a crime scene. SERS also opens up a potential route for fast roadside drug screening of drivers using saliva samples.
• Food safety. Certain additives such as melamine found in milk powder can be extremely harmful even at very low concentrations. Using SERS, we can qualify and quantify the level of dangerous trace elements in our food supply chain.
• Anti-counterfeit tagging. High value products that are subject to duties and taxes — petrol is one example — are often the target of piracy and fraud. By adding a small amount of a SERS-active taggant to the unadulterated product, detecting the taggant becomes an instant indicator of authenticity.