Investigation on THz fingerprint spectrum of illicit drugs

The spectral absorption features of three amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) belonging to illicit drugs have been studied with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and the characteristic absorption spectra (fingerprint spectra) are obtained ranging from 0.2THz to 2.5THz. To compare with the experimental results vibrational frequencies of MA are calculated, which is consistent with the experimental results. With the help of fingerprint spectra of illicit drugs and THz's strong penetrability to cloths, paper bags and leathered or plastic luggage, THz-TDS would be a strong candidate for illicit drugs detection and inspection.