Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique used to identify chemical substances based on their unique molecular vibrations, using the Raman spectrum which acts as a molecular fingerprint for that material. This allows rapid identification of solids, liquids, and powders with little to no sample preparation.

In handheld systems, Raman technology enables through-container analysis. The use of 1064 nm excitation reduces fluorescence effects, making it effective for colored, impure, or complex samples. This makes Raman a critical tool for safety, compliance, and quality assurance applications.