Technology is quickly taking over every aspect of our lives, including solving crimes. The rapid improvements in technology have meant that solving crimes almost takes on a futuristic factor, like something from a work of fiction.

During the forensic science process, forensic equipment is used to process samples and evidence to solve crimes. Measurements include analysis of evidence, fingerprinting or DNA identification, analysing drugs or chemicals, and dealing with body fluids. Importantly, it’s the fusion of science and technology that allows forensic scientists to do a lot of their work. Specifically, sciences such as biology, chemistry and mathematics are combined with various technologies to process evidence.

There are many different technologies used in the forensic sciences that most people don’t know exist. Some of these technologies include:

1. PHENOM DESKTOP SEM

The Phenom SEM is the best tool for forensic scientists as it offers a very simple to use, fast and high-quality imaging tool with the added capability of determining elemental composition. This assists scientists in analysing evidence quickly and reliably to help solve criminal cases. Specifically, the Phenom GSR Desktop SEM allows crime labs to search for gunshot residue particles. It’s automated, and the software and hardware are fully integrated, so it’s very user-friendly.

The Phenom GSR Desktop SEM also uses a unique system that combines automated GSR analysis and classification software with element identification and the easy-to-use Phenom XL desktop SEM. There are lots of software parameters, which can be adjusted to individual needs. For example, you can optimise it for sensitivity or speed.

2. ALTERNATIVE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Alternative light photography is one of the quickest ways to detect whether damage has been done to a body before it even surfaces on the skin. Used by forensic nurses, alternative light photography can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

The camera uses blue light and orange filters to see whether bruising has occurred below the skin’s surface, and ultraviolet light to enhance bruises, bite marks and search for trace evidence. Infrared photography is used to enhance blood that’s difficult to see on dark and patterned clothing and tattoos due to decomposition, lividity and burning.

3. DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE FOR GAMING EQUIPMENT

Criminals sometimes hide illicit data on an Xbox in the hope that a gaming console won’t be seen as a likely evidence target. With an XFT Device, once the Xbox file system is mounted, an analyst can browse the directory tree, list its contents, open and view files, and expand subdirectories and files. The XFT Device will give authorities access to hidden files on Xbox hard drives, and can also record access sessions to be used as evidence in court.

4. FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION

Facial reconstruction is a method used in the forensic field when a crime involves unidentified remains. The process recreates the face of an individual from their skeletal remains through an combination of artistry, anthropology, osteology and anatomy. There are three main types of facial reconstruction: two-dimensional (photographic prints or drawing), three-dimensional (sculpture or high-res 3D computer image) and superimposition.

Whilst not always the most reliable technology, facial reconstruction is used by many forensic labs to determine the appearance of victims who are too damaged, or whose bodies are decomposing, to make a visual identification. The user inputs data into the software and a possible physical appearance is deduced.

5. DNA SEQUENCING

DNA is used to identify both criminals and victims by using trace evidence, such as hair or skin. DNA sequencing determines the order of the four chemical blocks (called “bases”) that make up the DNA molecule. Although DNA evidence alone isn’t enough to secure a conviction today, DNA profiling has become the gold standard in forensic science since the first case more than 30 years ago.

DNA sequencing allows forensic scientists to sequence STR (short tandem repeat) markers, potentially resulting in an increased ability to differentiate between individuals in complex DNA mixtures. Additionally, alternate marker types such as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) can be more easily integrated into casework laboratories, resulting in new capabilities, such as ancestry or phenotype prediction in unsolved cases.

6. AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION

Fingerprint identification allows forensic scientists to compare fingerprints found to an extensive digital database. Since fingerprint identification first emerged in the 1980s, automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) have become central to the work of police and other law enforcement agencies around the world. By dramatically increasing the potential for successful identification of a suspect, these systems have fundamentally changed the way that authorities approach the investigation of a wide range of criminal activities.

The rapid adoption of AFIS has inevitably led to further investment in developing it. Enhancements include the introduction of palm prints, interfacing the AFIS with other criminal justice information systems, interfacing with digital mugshots and livescan devices, and the use of multi-modal biometrics. Newer technologies such as magnetic fingerprinting dust also means investigators are able to get a perfect impression without compromising the fingerprint.

7. LINK ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

Link analysis is a data analysis method in the network theory that examines the connections or relationships between the network nodes. The connection or relationship can be between any type of node or object like people, organisations, and transactions.

When it comes to funds, there’s often a mountain of paperwork. Link analysis software is used by specialist accountants to highlight any strange financial activity found within the paper trail. The software looks at financial transactions and the profile of the customer, and using statistics it generates possible illegal behaviour. It’s mostly used by financial institutions like banks and insurance and cyber security agencies to uncover criminal networks. In the same way, government agencies perform link analysis to investigate frauds, improve screening processes, investigate criminal activities, and expose the terrorist network.

In short, link analysis software helps examiners or investigators to create a visual picture of the communications between those who are involved in a criminal case.

8. DRUG TESTING

Forensic teams are often requested to identify unknown substances, whether in powder, liquid or pill form. Labs use presumptive tests (such as colour testing) that indicate there’s a substance present and perform confirmatory tests (such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry) that specifically identify what kind of substance it is. Other tests also include ultraviolet spectrophotometry (using ultraviolet and infrared lights to see how the substance reacts), gas chromatography (which isolates the drug from mixing agents that may be present) and microcrystalline testing (which uses the crystal patterns formed to determine what drug is present).

9. LA-ICP-MS

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a powerful analytical technology that enables highly sensitive elemental and isotopic analysis to be performed directly on solid samples.

LA-ICP-MS begins with a laser beam focused on the sample surface to generate fine particles – a process known as laser ablation. The ablated particles are then transported to the secondary excitation source of the ICP-MS instrument for digestion and ionisation of the sampled mass. The excited ions in the plasma torch are subsequently introduced to a mass spectrometer detector for both elemental and isotopic analysis.

LA-ICP-MS is one of the most exciting analytical technologies available because it can perform ultra-highly sensitive chemical analysis down to ppb (parts per billion) level without any sample preparation. LA-ICP-MS helps put even the minutest pieces of glass back together, helping forensic scientists determine the direction of bullets, force of impact, or even the type of weapon used if a crime has been committed. It also helps forensic scientists determine what type of glass is found and can match it to other types of glass in a database. Results are available within seconds, meaning LA-ICP-MS delivers the fastest analysis speed of all analytical techniques with the limit of detection approaching ppb level.

10. FIRE TECHNOLOGY

Fire occurs due to the exothermic reaction of combustion (burning), producing heat and light. For a fire to occur, three vital components must be present: a fuel source, an oxidant (O2) and a sufficient amount of energy in the form of heat. When arsonists attack, there’s very rarely much evidence left at the scene. Arsonists do, however, usually use accelerants to speed up a blaze.

The primary purposes of a fire investigation is to establish the origin of the fire, determine the likely cause, and conclude whether the incident was accidental, natural or deliberate. It’s vital to establish the cause to ensure similar events don’t occur (in the case of natural or accidental) or to allow a legal investigation to be conducted (in the case of deliberate fires).

Forensic scientists apply technologies to heat samples taken from the scene, causing any residue to separate. This sample is then analysed to determine the chemical structure. Scientists also use other tests such as using liquid nitrogen gas to trap residue which is then analysed using gas chromatography. The investigation will include closely surveying the damaged scene to establish the cause of the fire.

11. 3D SCANNER

A 3D scanner is generally one of the most expensive but brilliant pieces of equipment available to crime scene personnel. You can take the scanner, place it in the middle of a room, and turn it on. The scanner will then rotate 360 degrees while taking photographs of the entire room and the objects in it. It will also measure distances from the scanner to the walls, and from the scanner to objects in the room.

Before the 3D scanner, drawing a room was time-consuming and labour-intensive. It also required a great deal of artistry skills. Items were often left out to avoid ‘cluttering’ a drawing, which resulted in an inaccurate account of the room. A 3D scanner gives accuracy in 10-30 minutes, which is significantly less time than it would take an artist.

12. HIGH-POWERED MICROSCOPES

Microscopy is essential to the forensic sciences, with virtually all trace evidence requiring analysis using polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy or infrared microspectroscopy. Much evidence collected at crime scenes isn’t easily identified or analysed by the naked eye, and article size and shape are important metrics for forensics.

With the help of high powered microscopes, tiny pieces of evidence can be viewed more clearly and thus be more easily identified. The Malvern Morphologi 4-ID, for example, offers the novel ability to detect counterfeit drugs. It automatically images thousands of particles for size and shape, and provides chemical ID via Raman spectroscopy.

13. HIGH-SPEED BALLISTICS PHOTOGRAPHY

If you ever tried to take a picture of a bullet whizzing by, chances are you’d come away with nothing but the background. Bullets move fast, and this requires specialist high-speed ballistics photography.

Ballistics photography involves taking pictures of bullets being fired from a gun or bullets penetrating their respective targets. The techniques involved in taking ballistic related photos are similar to those used for any other subject of high-speed photography, such as pictures of splashing liquids or a balloon popping.

As with any other specialised area of photography, ballistics photography demands a certain set of equipment. In addition to a high-speed flash, a photographer may also need a cable release and a trigger to align the flash with the event. The trigger, perhaps the most important piece of equipment, activates the camera to take the picture based on either the sound or light emitted from the high-speed event.

GET THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY FOR THE JOB

As technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, it’s no wonder solving crimes has become almost futuristic in its advances. Shows like CSI and NCIS have made a whole range of forensic technologies well known, but there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Get the right technology for the job and enjoy ongoing support in achieving reliable analytical measurements with ATA Scientific. We offer the best laboratory equipment and expert knowledge so you can be confident in your forensic science results.

If you’re involved in a forensic investigation and need to analyse gunshot residue, our Phenom GSR Desktop SEM offers effective solutions for assessing gunshot residue particles. Arranging a free consultation is easy, so contact ATA Scientific today.

Scientific terms are often used interchangeably, and scientifically-accepted descriptions are constantly being refined and reinterpreted, which can lead to errors in scientific understanding. While such errors can’t be completely eliminated, they can be reduced by making ourselves aware of them, better understanding the terminology, and using thoughtful and careful scientific methods. This is certainly true when it comes to understanding spectroscopy and spectrometry which, despite being similar, aren’t the same thing. With this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at these terms.

Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is the study of the absorption and emission of light and other radiation by matter. It involves the splitting of light (or more precisely electromagnetic radiation) into its constituent wavelengths (a spectrum), which is done in much the same way as a prism splits light into a rainbow of colours. In fact, old style spectroscopy was carried out using a prism and photographic plates.

Modern spectroscopy uses diffraction grating to disperse light, which is then projected onto CCDs (charge-coupled devices), similar to those used in digital cameras. The 2D spectra are easily extracted from this digital format and manipulated to produce 1D spectra that contain an impressive amount of useful data.

Recently, the definition of spectroscopy has been expanded to also include the study of the interactions between particles such as electrons, protons, and ions, as well as their interaction with other particles as a function of their collision energy.

How spectroscopy is used

Far from being a specialised, unique field, spectroscopy is integral to a variety of disciplines. While it provided a theoretical backing to early quantum research in radiation and atomic structure, it also has a staggering number of other applied uses; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray machines utilise a form of radio-frequency spectroscopy, we measure the unique makeup and physical properties of distant astral bodies through their spectra and wavelength, and it’s even used to test doping in sports.

The different types of spectroscopy are distinguished by the type of radiative energy involved in the interaction. In many applications, the spectrum is determined by measuring changes in the intensity or frequency of this radiative energy. The types of spectroscopy can also be distinguished by the nature of the interaction between the energy and the material. Examples include:

Astronomical spectroscopy

This type of spectroscopy is chiefly concerned with the analysis of objects in space. From simple spectroscopic analysis of an astronomical object, we can measure the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and determine its wavelength. This can tell us about the object’s chemical composition (as a factor of their spectra and mass), temperature, distance and speed (using a function of their wavelength and the speed of light).

Absorption spectroscopy

Absorption spectroscopy involves the use of spectroscopic techniques that measure the absorption of radiation in matter. We can determine the atomic makeup of a sample by testing for the absorption of specific elements across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Biomedical spectroscopy

Biomedical spectroscopy is a type of spectroscopy that’s used in biomedical science. For example, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (a specialised technique associated with magnetic resonance imaging) is often used to diagnose and study chemical changes in the brain that can cause anything from depression to physical tumours, as well as analyse the metabolic structure of muscle. This works by mapping a spectrum of wavelengths in the brain that correspond to the known spectrum, and carefully analysing patterns and aberrations in those patterns.

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (otherwise known as EDS/EDX) is used for the identification and quantification of elements found in a sample. This technique is used by the Phenom ProX Desktop SEM. It can also be used in conjunction with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) to create spatially-resolved elemental analysis in areas as small as a few nanometres in diameter.

Spectrometry

Spectrometry is the measurement of the interactions between light and matter, and the reactions and measurements of radiation intensity and wavelength. In other words, spectrometry is a method of studying and measuring a specific spectrum, and it’s widely used for the spectroscopic analysis of sample materials.

Mass spectrometry is an example of a type of spectrometry, and it measures masses within a chemical sample through their mass-to-charge ratio. This is usually done by ionising particles with a shower of electrons, then passing them through a magnetic field to separate them into different stages of deflection. Once the particles are separated, they’re measured by an electron multiplier, and we can identify the makeup of the sample through the weight of each ion’s mass. Typically, scanning electron microscopes offer options for spectrometry based on the application.

The practical uses of mass spectronomy include isotope dating and protein characterisation. Independent roving space exploration robots such as the Mars Phoenix Lander also carry mass spectrometers for the analysis of foreign soils.

History of spectrometry

The study of spectrometry dates back to the 1600s when Isaac Newton first discovered that focusing light through glass split it into the different colours of the rainbow (known as the spectrum of visible light). The spectrum itself is an obviously visible phenomenon (it makes up the colours of the rainbow and creates the sheen you see on the surface of a puddle), but it took centuries of piecemeal research to develop the study of this phenomenon into a coherent field that could be used to draw usable conclusions.

Generations of work by scientists, such as William Hyde Wollaston, lead to the discovery of dark lines that were seemingly randomly placed along this spectrum. Eventually it was determined that these were the after-effects of the absorption of chemicals in the earth’s atmosphere.

Simply put, as natural light filters from celestial bodies in space such as the sun, it goes through various reactions in our atmosphere. Each chemical element reacts slightly differently in this process, some visibly (those on the 390-700mm wavelength that are detectable to the human eye) and some invisibly (like infrared or ultraviolet waves, which are outside the visible spectrum).

As each atom corresponds to and can be represented by an individual spectra, we can use the analysis of wavelengths in the light spectrum to identify them, quantify physical properties, and analyse chemical chains and reactions from within their framework.

Some practical ways we use spectroscopy include:

• We can use the unique spectra to identify the chemical makeup, and temperature and velocity of objects in space.
• For metabolite screening and analysing, and improving the structure of drugs.
• For measuring sampled chemicals or nanoparticles through their mass-to-charge ratio using a mass spectrometer.

Differences between spectrometry and spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is the science of studying the interaction between matter and radiated energy. It’s the study of absorption characteristics of matter, or absorption behaviour of matter, when subjected to electromagnetic radiation. Spectroscopy doesn’t generate any results, it’s simply the theoretical approach to science.

On the other hand, spectrometry is the method used to acquire a quantitative measurement of the spectrum. It’s the practical application where results are generated, helping in the quantification of, for example, absorbance, optical density or transmittance.

In short, spectroscopy is thetheoretical science, and spectrometry is the practical measurement in the balancing of matter in atomic and molecular levels.

Spectrometers

A spectrometer is any instrument that’s used to measure the variation of a physical characteristic over a given range, i.e. a spectrum. This could be a mass-to-charge ratio spectrum in a mass spectrometer, the variation of nuclear resonant frequencies in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, or the change in the absorption and emission of light with wavelength in an optical spectrometer. The mass spectrometer, NMR spectrometer and the optical spectrometer are the three most common types of spectrometers found in research labs around the world.

A spectrometer measures the wavelength and frequency of light, and allows us to identify and analyse the atoms in a sample we place within it. In their simplest form, spectrometers act like a sophisticated form of diffraction, somewhat akin to the play of light that occurs when white light hits the tiny pits of a DVD or other compact disk.

Light is passed from a source (which has been made incandescent through heating) to a diffraction grating (much like an artificial Fraunhofer line) and onto a mirror. As the light emitted by the original source is characteristic of its atomic composure, diffracting and mirroring first disperses, then reflects, the wavelength into a format that we can detect and quantify.

Find a spectrometer from ATA Scientific

ATA Scientific represents a group of highly regarded international companies, whose range of innovative instruments are used across the particle, surface, life and material sciences.

We specialise in JASCO spectroscopic equipment through our subsidiary Labsavers. We stock a range of Ultraviolet-visible Spectrophotometers, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometers, Fluorescence Spectrometers, Circular Dichroism Spectrometers, Raman Spectrometers, and Digital Polarimeters.

The entire line of JASCO spectrometers all utilise a central operating system, Spectra Manager. This means they easily standardise operations between different processes, are easy to use, and are usually able to be self-installed. We have options for both laboratory and teaching environments at competitive prices, and everything comes with a 12 month warranty.

No matter what kind of laboratory you need it for, if you’re in the market for spectroscopic equipment, you can’t beat our range of JASCO equipment. Contact ATA Scientific today for a free consultation and talk to us about specialist advice and training. We have both the instruments and the know-how to help you obtain meaningful and reliable analytical results.

In the manufacturing and development stages of many products, understanding the properties of the materials being used is very important. Perhaps the most important aspect is knowing the size and shape of particles in those materials. However, other qualities, such as the microstructure, surface, mechanical and charge properties are also necessary to know. Welcome to the science of particle characterisation, which analyses materials at a minute level in order to determine how those materials will behave.

A ‘particle’ can be anything from a droplet of liquid, to a gas bubble, to a speck of powder. It can refer to anything from a nanometre to a centimetre in size. Particle characterisation is of special interest for a wide range of industries, such as food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, minerals and other materials science fields.

Not all particles are simple shapes

Particles can be different in terms of sedimentation rate, diameter, aspect ratio, convexity, and solidity, amongst other qualities. They can have shapes ranging from simple spheres to rods, needles, plates or cubes. All of these factors affect how a particular material will behave, and so are of great interest to manufacturers.

Characterising the particles

Any given sample of a material will often contain a variety of different types of particles with different dimensions and properties. Analysis of a sample will often give an average figure or a distribution, rather than an exact measurement. You need to know what you want to measure, and how to select the right instrument to do it. For example, static light scattering such as laser diffraction is one method used to show volume weighted distributions, which reveals the composition of a given sample in terms of its mass.

Get expert guidance

If you’re unsure of what you’re trying to measure and what to use to solve your particular particle problem, it’s best to chat to the experts who produce the measurement instruments themselves. ATA Scientific is a trusted provider of scientific instruments and can help you with what you need, so contact us today.