Novel near-infrared and Raman spectroscopic technologies for print and photography identification, classification, and authentication

Modern forensics encounters new challenges and demands new analytical methods that would meet variety of prerequisites regarding their accuracy, rapidness, flexibility, and reliability. Vibrational spectroscopic methods, in particular near-infrared spectroscopy, offer such potential and meet an increasing interest in forensics for authentication of various documents. Pittcon 2020 Conference, which took place in Chicago, Illinois, included a Session dedicated to the role of novel tools of investigation in the forensics of tomorrow. This article summarizes and complements the presentation upon how the current state-of-the-art and future prospects of vibrational spectroscopic techniques fits into this role. The application of near-infrared spectroscopy, including the benefits stemming from using novel miniaturized portable instruments, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering techniques, is discussed in detail in the present article.