Through-bottle whisky sensing and classification using Raman spectroscopy in an axicon-based backscattering...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Material Science

Background:

• Food and drink adulteration poses significant health and economic risks.
• Alcoholic spirits, like Scotch whisky, are frequent targets of fraudulent activities.
• Non-intrusive detection methods are crucial for analyzing sealed products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a non-intrusive Raman spectroscopy system for analyzing alcoholic spirits in sealed containers.
• To overcome challenges associated with signal acquisition and bottle-wall interference.
• To provide a method for accurate, non-destructive quality control and authentication.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Raman system with a novel axicon lens geometry for excitation and collection.
• Generated an annular beam at the bottle surface, focusing within the sample.
• Minimized auto-fluorescence from the bottle material.

Main Results:

• Achieved efficient acquisition of Raman signals from the alcoholic spirit.
• Successfully avoided interference from bottle wall auto-fluorescence.
• Demonstrated precise analysis of contents without opening the bottle.

Conclusions:

• The developed Raman system offers a non-destructive and non-contact method for analyzing spirits.
• This technique effectively characterizes materials through transparent containers.
• It provides a viable solution for detecting adulteration and ensuring product authenticity.