California Association of Criminalists 77th Semi-annual Seminar

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 672 KB
• Volume: 32
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0015-7368
• DOI: 10.1016/s0015-7368(92)73081-3

✦ Synopsis

The analysis of trace materials is an important aspect of a forensic investigation. A single fiber, a few drug crystals of a suspected narcotic, or a paint chip from a suspect's car may be pivotal evidence in a criminal case. The optical viewing capabilities, sensitivity and non-destructive nature of infrared microspectroscopy has made it a powerful tool for the analysis of fibers and drug crystals. Recently, reports have indicated that infrared microspectroscopy can also be used for the analysis of paint chips. We will report on our investigation into the preparation and analysis of paint chips by infrared microspectroscopy. Several methods of sample handling including microtoming with various mounting media will be discussed. Initial results indicate that LR White and paraffin wax work best as the mounting media. Additionally, new videothermal printers offer significant capabilities in terms of ease-of-use and cost for archiving the visible image of the sample.