A NEW APPROACH TO FORENSIC ANALYSIS WITH INFRARED MICROSCOPY - INTERNAL-REFLECTION SPECTROSCOPY

A preliminary study has been conducted on the application of microscop ical infrared internal reflection spectroscopy for the analysis of for ensic evidence. Internal reflection spectra have been obtained from si ngle fibers, hairs, paint chips, vehicle rubber bumpers, photocopy ton ers, carbon copies, writing ink on paper, lipstick on tissue and black electrical tapes. The technique is convenient, non-destructive and of ten permits spectra of smears to be obtained in situ. The technique sh ows great potential for analysis and comparison of forensic evidence.