An apparatus for identifying materials. The apparatus includes a laser device adapted to produce monochromatic light in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 425 nm, a first set of optical components for focusing the laser light on a material sample positioned on a sample stage, a second set of optical components for transmitting light reflected from the material sample, and a spectrograph adapted to receive light reflected from the material sample via at least part of the second set of optical components and adapted to collect data in the Raman shift range of about 100 cm−1 to about 1400 cm−1. The first set of optical components includes a fiber optic cable adapted to transmit the laser light to the material sample. The second set of optical components includes an objective lens having an opening adapted to receive the fiber optic cable.