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Reductions in instrument size, weight, and power continue to facilitate the development and application of field-deployable devices for investigative purposes. Portable analytical instrumentation supporting the rapid and reliable identification of two broad categories of compounds - drugs and hazardous materials - are of particular interest to forensic analysts, first responders, and other aligned experts. This article discusses the capabilities and limitations of commonly employed field-deployable devices, along with emerging technologies.
Forbes, T.
and Burks, R.
(2023),
Field-Deployable Devices, Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, Third Edition, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823677-2.00060-X, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=933730
(Accessed October 1, 2025)