Microscopy in Forensic Sciences

Abstract

This chapter examines the use of electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and other analytical techniques in forensic investigation and research. These tools can be used to enhance examination of human remains and trace evidence to improve understanding of cause of death, victim identification or post mortem interval.A police-designed scenario is used to highlight trace evidence such as glass, gun shot residue and paint. The validity of forensic techniques is discussed, with reference to international standards, repeatability, and false convictions. Ballistic evidence is used to highlight the complexities in evidence interpretation, including manufacturing variability, environmental effects and likelihood ratios.The use of SEM, AFM and other techniques in the development of forensic research is showcased, with particular examples from the field of fingerprints. Examples include improvements in the development of fingermarks from difficult surfaces, interaction of evidence types, and added intelligence from the crime scene, such as forensic timeline or gender of perpetrator.

The optimisation of fingermark enhancement by VMD and Lumicyano™ on thermal paper

“…As was observed, the Au/Zn technique was very effective on paper 2 as well as paper 5, albeit to a lesser extent, perhaps indicating that the papers are similar in structure and surface characteristics. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of paper demonstrate both the variable structure of regular paper and variability of the surface texture and composition between different types or brands [41,42]. It can be inferred that variability of surface topography of thermal paper samples in this study affect the fingermark deposition and enhancement [7].…”

Cryogenic Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Ionic Fluorones in Gaseous and Condensed Phases: New Light on Their Intrinsic Photophysics

“…Fluorescence spectroscopy, whether in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet, is an essential analytical technique in a chemist’s toolkit . Over the last few decades there has been an exponential increase in the adaptation and use of fluorescence techniques in applications including nondestructive chemical fingerprinting and structure determination, trace analyte and single-molecule detection, medicine, forensics and security, and biomolecule analysis. − The discovery of fluorescent proteins and the development of strategies for their incorporation into biotechnological applications has revolutionized modern microscopy, bioimaging, and the visualization of cellular processes. , …”

Extended non-destructive testing for inline quality control of cleaning and pre-treatment processes in adhesive bonding of polymer blends

“…Beyond that, greasy or sebaceous [13] natural and latent, i.e. not observable by bare eye, finger-marks are investigated since more than one century ago, with respect to not only the underlying patterns, but also aiming at their composition [14,15], their height [16] and their effects on the appearance of applied coatings, e.g. the socalled telegraphing effect [17].…”