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Raman Analyzer for Illicit Drugs (RAID)

Group 2

Nicole Parker

Michael Soto

Asha Waters

Jean Georges

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RAID

Team Composition:

Nicole Parker

Photonic Engineer

Jean Georges

Computer Engineer

Asha Waters

Computer Engineer

Michael Soto

Photonic Engineer

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Sponsor

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GOALS 

  • Develop a system capable of accurately determining the presence of GABA (in lieu of GHB) within liquid samples at and above a threshold defined experimentally.
  • Enhance spectral resolution to enable finer analysis of molecular structures and compositions, aiming for a spectral resolution of approximately 1nm or better.
  • Establish efficient data acquisition and processing methodologies to streamline analytical procedures. This includes:
    • Developing algorithms for efficient acquisition of Raman spectra.
    • Optimizing exposure times and signal-to-noise ratios.
  • Create a user-friendly interface to ensure accessibility and ease of operation for researchers of varying expertise levels.
  • Focus on cost optimization to deliver high performance at an affordable price point, thus maximizing the instrument's accessibility.
  • Incorporate a motorized rotation stage to enable precise measurements.

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OBJECTIVES

  • To determine the threshold at which our Raman spectrometer can detect the presence of GABA, the Raman spectrometer will be calibrated using known concentrations in an experimental set up. This will be compared to a baseline spectrum of pure GABA. 
  • To reach a spectral resolution of 1nm or better, different optical configurations will be tested, and narrow-band filters or advanced dispersive elements will be utilized. 
  • To develop algorithms for efficient acquisition of Raman spectra, software tools for real-time spectral processing, including background subtraction and baseline correction will be implemented. It will be validated by comparison with known reference spectra. 
  • A user-friendly interface will be developed by implementing an intuitive touchscreen interface for easy spectrometer control and data visualization. Selectable options for identifying the liquid in which the sample is immersed, and a real-time substance detection output will also be implemented. 
  • Cost-effective alternatives for optical parts will be evaluated for trade-offs between cost, performance, and reliability. 
  • To make the rotation stage effective, a code will be developed to move in discrete steps and to automatically home it after the spectrum has been measured.

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SPECIFICATIONS AND�REQUIREMENTS

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DESIGN APPROACH AND IMPLEMENTATION

This Raman Spectrometer is composed of two parts: (1) the excitation and collection stage and (2) the Czerny Turner spectrometer

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RAID was designed to be used in bars, clubs, and any other venue where roofies are of concern. 

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SYSTEM �DESIGN

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System Design

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Optical Design

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HARDWARE COMPONENTS

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Grating Selection

Model #: 33066FL01-560R

Ruled Reflective Diffraction Grating

Transmissive Diffraction Gratings

Reflective Diffraction Gratings

 Transmits most light.

 Absorption causes possible light loss; impacts signal strength.

Reflect all incident light; modulate undesired components. Excellent at maintaining polarization control.

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Requires precise alignment in optical systems to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.

Effectively redirect incoming light in the direction of the detector to make the most of the available light and improve signal detection.

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Typically, "in-line," requiring longer optical paths. Ideal for minimizing optical distortion and maximizing spectrum resolution in imaging systems, fluorescence spectroscopy, and some optical microscopy.

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Common, flexible, compact, and effective optical setups. Used in Raman spectroscopy and some optical imaging systems for focusing dispersed light onto a detector or focal point.

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Photodiode Selection

DET 210 – High Speed Si Photo Detector

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Specifications

Detector

Silicon PIN

Spectral Response

200 - 1100nm

Peak Wavelength

730nm+/-50nm

Rise/Fall Time

1 ns

NEP

5 E-14 W/sqrt(Hz)

Active Area

1mm 

Output

BNC, DC Coupled biased with 12V battery

Cost

$181.68

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Excitation Source

Pump Wavelength (nm)

Laser Type

Application/Advantages

Disadvantages

532

Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser (DPSS)

High sensitivity, good for visible range applications

Fluorescence interference can be significant

633

Helium-Neon (HeNe) Laser

Lower fluorescence interference compared to 532 nm

Lower Raman scattering efficiency compared to 532 nm

785

Diode Laser

Reduced fluorescence, good for biological samples

Lower spatial resolution, lower scattering efficiency

830

Diode Laser

Further reduced fluorescence, good for dark samples

Even lower scattering efficiency, more expensive

1064

Nd

Laser

Minimal fluorescence, good for highly fluorescent samples

Significantly lower Raman scattering efficiency, expensive

Final Decision: 532 nm @ 500 mW

Common Raman Pump Wavelengths

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Longpass Filter Options

MKS Newport

20CGA-500

>570nm

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Beam Splitting Mechanism

MKS Newport 

DCM13

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Lens Choices

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Lens

Purpose

1

KPX046AR.14 EFL 38.1

Focus pump onto sample and collimate Raman signal

2

KPX043AR.14 EFL 25.4 

Focus beam into fiber

3

KPX082AR.14 EFL 50.2 

Collimate signal from fiber to spectrometer

4

EFL 50 

Focus into photodiode

Beam measurement – 1.2mm

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Microcontroller Options

Key Features of Our Selection:

  • 1.4 GHz processor
  • Larger computing power
  • Increased memory & storage
  • Community support available for troubleshooting

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Display Options

Key Features of Our Selection:

  • Touchscreen capability
  • Larger display size
  • Quick responsiveness
  • Multitouch functionality
  • Compatible with Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ microcontroller selection

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Bridgold MCP3008 ADC

  • Resolution: 10 bit
  • Channels: 8 analog input channels
  • SPI Interface
  • Sampling Rate: maximum rate of 200 kilosamples per second (ksps) based on operating conditions
  • Voltage Range: 2.7 V to 5.5 V
  • Low power consumption

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Allegro Microsystems ACS712 Current Sensor

  • Current Sensing Range: ±30 A
  • Output Voltage Sensitivity: 66 to 185 mV/A
  • Supply Voltage: 4.5V to 5.5V
  • Operating Temperature Range: -40° C to 85° C
  • Output Type: analog
  • Bandwidth: close to 80 kHz

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Feature 

NEMA 17 

NEMA 14 

Mounting Size 

1.7 x 1.7 inches (NEMA 17) 

1.4 x 1.4 inches (NEMA 14) 

Torque Output 

Higher 

Lower 

Step Angle 

1.8 degrees 

1.8 degrees 

Voltage Range 

3V - 12V 

3V - 12V 

Price Range 

$10 - $30 (approx.) 

$5 - $20 (approx.) 

Arduino Compatibility 

Yes 

Yes 

MSP430FR6989 Compatibility 

Yes 

Yes 

Motorized Stage

Feature ​

A4988 ​

TMC2209

DRV8825  ​

Manufacturer ​

Allegro MicroSystems ​

BigtreeTech

Texas Instruments  ​

Max Current per Phase ​

2A ​

2.5A  ​

2.5A  ​

Operating Voltage ​

8V - 35V ​

8.2V - 45V  ​

8.2V - 45V  ​

Micro-stepping ​

Full, Half, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 steps ​

Full, Half, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/256 steps  ​

Full, Half, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 steps  ​

Overcurrent Protection ​

Yes ​

Yes  ​

Yes  ​

Overtemperature Protection ​

Yes ​

Yes  ​

Yes  ​

Suitable Applications ​

General purpose projects ​

Projects requiring higher resolution and smoother motion  ​

Projects requiring higher resolution and smoother motion  ​

Compatible with Arduino ​

Yes ​

Yes  ​

Yes  ​

Compatible with Raspberry Pi ​

Yes ​

Yes  ​

Yes  ​

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Motorized Stage

Desired step angle = 0.005∘

Selected gears:

Pinion: 13T 48P

Driven gear: 90T 48P

Gear ratio: 90/13 = 6.9

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Overall Gear Ratio = 6.923

Effective step Angle  = 1.8∘

Effective step angle with 1/64 Microstepping = 1.8∘/64​ ≈0.028125∘

Final step angle: 0.028125/6.9 ≈ 0.00407∘

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Schematics

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Schematics

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PCB

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Budget

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Part

Unit

Unit Price

Total Amount

20CGA-550 Longpass Filter

1

$102.00

$0.00

33066FL01-280R Ruled Diffraction Grating

1

$176.00

$0.00

DCM13 Beam Combiner

1

$342.00

$0.00

DGF-12 Diffraction Grating Mount

1

$44.00

$0.00

KPX046AR.14 EFL 38.1 Lens

1

$42.00

$0.00

KPX043AR.14 EFL 25.4 Lens

1

$42.00

$0.00

KPX082AR.14 EFL 50.2 lens

1

$43.00

$0.00

EFL 50 Lens

1

-

$0.00

M1Q Mirror Mount

1

$46.00

$0.00

M-PPF50 Filter Mount

1

$112.00

$0.00

SV-0.5 Adjustable Slit

1

$347.00

$0.00

532nm 500mW Laser + Driver

1

-

$0.00

MMF NA 0.27 Optical Fiber

1

-

$0.00

Fiber Mount 

2

-

$0.00

Lens Mount

2

-

$0.00

Mirrors

2

-

$0.00

Mirror Mount

3

-

$0.00

Rotation Stage

1

-

$0.00

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Budget

Part

Unit

Unit Price

Total Amount

Post + Post Holder

10

-

$0.00

Optical Clamping Fork

8

-

$0.00

Screws

-

-

$0.00

Photodiode

1

$181.68

$0.00

Cuvette 4pc

1

$36.99

$36.99

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid Powder (GABA supplement)

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$18.96

$18.96

Raspberry Pi Container

1

$5.99

$5.99

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Board

2

$46.00

$92.00

HAMTYSAN 8 Inch Touch Screen

1

$65.49

$65.49

SanDisk MicroSD Card

1

$14.39

$14.39

MCP3008 ADC Converter

1

$6.99

$6.99

ACS712 Current Sensor Detector

1

$3.25

$3.25

NEMA14 Motor 

1

$15.91

$15.91

Stepper Motor Driver

1

$11.88

$11.88

Gears

1

$13.95

$13.95

PCB Components

1

$30.97

$30.97

Power Supply Adapter

1

$11.99

$11.99

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Budget

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Unit Price

Total Amount

Total Price

$1,760.44

$328.76

Thanks to MKS Newport for sponsoring the optical components!

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SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

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Software Overview

OBJECTIVE: Develop a graphical user interface to run an algorithm that process the data captured and determines the presence of GABA, notifying the user whether beverage is safe or spiked.

Operating System:

Raspberry Pi OS also known as Raspbian

Integrated Developed Environment (IDE): 

Visual Studio Code

Programming Language:

Python

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Raspberry Pi OS Key Features

  • Optimized for Raspberry Pi Hardware
    • Ensuring maximum compatibility and performance
  • Pre-installed software & development tools
    • Including Python which saves time during initial setup
  • Extensive documentation
    • Making it easier to develop & troubleshoot applications
  • Security updates
    • OS has regular security updates ensuring the application environment is secure
  • Efficient
    • Consumes minimal resources such as memory and processing power

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RELATED STANDARDS

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Standards

Standard

Reason

ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management

It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality.

IEC 60825-1:2014 – Safety of Laser Products

To introduce a system of classification of lasers and laser products emitting radiation in the wavelength range 180 nm to 1 mm according to their degree of optical radiation hazard in order to aid hazard evaluation and to aid the determination of user control measures

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DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

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  • Ethical Considerations:
    • Ensuring accurate detection to avoid false positives/negatives which could have serious implications.
  • Health and Safety:
    • Due to its controlled substance nature, illicit drugs were not readily available for testing.
    • PPE is required when assembling or troubleshooting due to laser.
  • User Training:
    • Providing comprehensive training for users to ensure safe and effective operation.
    • Clear instructions and user-friendly design to minimize user error.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    • Due to time constraints and limited know how our prototype is not the most energy efficient.
    • More R&D would yield more efficient methods to accomplish said goal.
  • Manufacturability:
    • Limited knowledge of mounting optics outside of the breadboard.
  • Economical and Time:
    • Because these spectrometers are complex and precise, we are limited to what we can include in our design’s abilities (like measuring multiple substances).

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SUCCESSES AND DIFFICULTIES

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Successes and Difficulties

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  • PCB
    • Success: Learning how to solder
    • Difficulty: Noise and electromagnetic interference 
  • Motorized Stage 
    • Success: Integrating the NEMA14 with the stepper driver
    • Difficulty: Getting down to the 0.005° required to rotate the grating lens
  • Spectrometer 
    • Success: Aligning the optical components to the system
    • Difficulty: Integrating the stepper motor rotation stage into the system
  • GABA Analysis
    • Success: Installing necessary software needed to run program via microcontroller
    • Difficulty: Converting analog signal from photodiode to digital signal for microcontroller

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IMMEDIATE PLANS TO COMPLETE RAID PROJECT

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Raman Illumination

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  • Testing Different Concentrations of GABA:
  • Prepare a series of GABA samples with varying concentrations.
  • Assess the accuracy and reliability of the RAID system for detecting GABA.

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  • Optimizing Laser Power:
  • Evaluate the signal strength and clarity from the measured spectra.
  • If the signal is weak or unreadable, consider increasing the laser power.
  • Ensure that any increase in laser power is within safe operational limit.

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  • Iterative Testing and Adjustment:
  • Ensure precise alignment and coupling of the Raman illumination system with the spectrometer.
  • Perform iterative tests, adjusting the system components and laser power as needed.
  • Continue refining the integration and testing process until optimal performance is achieved.

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Progress

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ACTIVITY

PERCENT COMPLETE

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GABA Excitation

80%

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Raman Analysis

10%

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LCD Display

35%

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Alignment

60%

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Housing

30%

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Spectrometer

80%

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Photodiode

75%

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PBC

50%

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Motorized Stage

60%

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Overall

50%

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Questions?