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Restoration of firearm serial numbers with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).

Ryan M White1, Robert R Keller2

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|March 10, 2015
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Summary

Restoring destroyed firearm serial numbers is now possible using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This technique reveals hidden imprints up to 760 μm deep, aiding criminal investigations.

Keywords:
EBSDFirearmSerial number

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Forensic Science
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Firearm serial numbers are vital for legal identification and criminal case prosecution.
  • Destruction or obliteration of serial numbers poses a significant challenge in forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a novel method for restoring obliterated firearm serial numbers.
  • To demonstrate the capability of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) for visualizing subsurface imprints.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
  • Applying the technique to visualize die-stamped imprints on metal surfaces that have been polished away.
  • Analyzing subsurface evidence of stamping up to a depth of approximately 760 μm.

Main Results:

  • Successfully visualized completely polished-away die-stamped serial numbers.
  • Detected evidence of serial number imprints at significant depths below the surface.
  • Demonstrated the potential for reconstructing an 8-character serial number within approximately one hour.

Conclusions:

  • EBSD in SEM is a powerful tool for firearm serial number restoration.
  • The method offers a significant advancement in forensic analysis for identifying obliterated marks.
  • Further development promises faster and more comprehensive reconstruction of serial numbers.