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Using Raman spectroscopy to solve crime: inks, questioned documents and fraud
1Spectroscopy Products Division, Renishaw PLC, Old Town, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.
Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society
|November 30, 2000
Summary
Raman microscopy, a non-destructive technique, is now a vital tool for forensic ink analysis. It successfully differentiates black ballpoint inks and sequences crossed ink lines, aiding document examination.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Raman microscopy offers non-invasive, non-destructive chemical analysis.
- Its application in forensic analysis, especially for drugs and explosives, is growing.
- Document examination faces challenges in comparing black inks and sequencing overlaid inks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate Raman microscopy as a general tool for ink analysis.
- To address the challenges of comparing black ballpoint inks.
- To develop a method for chronological sequencing of crossed ink lines.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Raman microscopy for non-destructive chemical analysis of ink samples.
- Developing a database for distinguishing commercially available black ballpoint inks.
- Employing confocal Raman microscopy for chronological sequencing of ink line intersections.
Main Results:
- Raman microscopy successfully differentiated between various black ballpoint inks.
- A database of black ballpoint ink spectra was created for reference.
- Confocal Raman microscopy enabled the chronological sequencing of crossed ink lines.
Conclusions:
- Raman microscopy is a powerful and versatile tool for forensic ink analysis.
- The developed methods provide solutions for challenging document examination problems.
- This technique enhances the capabilities of forensic document examiners.