Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge: New Methods for Trace Evidence Analysis

An in–depth exploration of the latest methodologies, tools, and techniques for analyzing trace evidence
With chapters written by scientists who are acknowledged leaders in their specialty areas, this resource provides real–world, up–to–date information on state–of–the–art technologies in the analysis of trace evidence. Such evidence often provides proof of an association between a suspect and a victim or crime scene. With numerous case histories, this reference illustrates the analysis of evidence by both traditional and new methods. Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge covers:
A wide range of methodologies, including mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, statistical validation, and others
The analysis of ink, condom trace evidence, glitter, fibers, glass cuts, pressure sensitive tapes, automotive airbag contact, and more
Chemical detection strategies for latent invisible trace evidence, including blood stains, fingerprints, and pepper spray
The application of cathodoluminescense to forensic examinations
With its detailed explanations and practical examples, this will be a valuable hands–on reference for scientists in forensic laboratories worldwide. It will also be an informative, fascinating resource for mystery writers, attorneys, criminal investigators, and others who want to go beyond the basics of trace evidence analysis.

Spis treści:
Preface.
Foreword.
Contributors.
1. All that Glitters Is Gold! (Robert D. Blackledge and Edwin L. Jones, Jr.).
1.1 What Is Glitter?
1.2 The Ideal Contact Trace.
1.2.1 Nearly Invisible.
1.2.2 High Probability of Transfer and Retention.
1.2.3 Highly Individualistic.
1.2.4 Quickly and Easily Collected, Separated, and Concentrated.
1.2.5 Easily Characterized.
1.2.6 Com puterized Database Capability.
1.3 Characterization Methods.
1.3.1 Color.
1.3.2 Morphology.
1.3.3 Shape.
1.3.4 Size.
1.3.5 Specifi c Gravity.
1.3.6 Thickness.
1.3.7 Cross Section.
1.3.8 Infrared Spectra.
1.3.9 Raman Microspectroscopy.
1.3.10 Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy.
1.4 Glitter as Evidence in Criminal Cases.
References.
2. Forensic Analysis of Automotive Airbag Contact—Not Just a Bag of Hot Air (Glenn D. Schubert).
2.1 History of Airbags.
2.2 How Do Airbags Work?
2.3 Types of Forensic Evidence to Look for.
2.4 Airbag Case Reports and Examples.
2.5 Changes that Are Occurring.
2.6 Final Discussion.
References.
3. Ink Analysis Using UV Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry (John Allison).
3.1 Introduction.
3.2 The Instrumentation.
3.3 The Analyte Target Molecules.
3.4 LDMS for the Analysis of Dyes in Pen Inks.
3.5 Related Applications.
3.6 LDMS Analyses that "Don′t Work."
3.7 Conclusions.
Acknowledgments.
References.
4. Condom Trace Evidence in Sexual Assaults: Recovery and Characterization (Wolfgang Keil).
4.1 Introduction.
4.1.1 Forensic Signifi cance.
4.1.2 Production, Sale, and Use of Condoms.
4.1.3 Condom Production.
4.2 Examination for Condom Residue Traces.
4.3 Forensic Evaluation of the Substances and Examinations.
4.4 Case Studies.
References.
5. Latent Invisible Trace Evidence: Chemical Detection Strategies (Gabor Patonay, Brian Eckenrode, James John Krutak, Jozef Salon,and Lucjan Strekowski).
5.1 Introduction.
5.2 Latent Bloodstain Detection.
5.3 Fingerprint Detection with Near–Infrared Dyes.
5.4 Pepper Spray Detection.
5.4.1 Pepper Spray Detection Using Near–Infrared Fluorescent Dyes.
5.4.2 Pepper Spray Detection Using Chemical Derivatization.
References.
6. Applications of Cathodoluminescence in F orensic Science (Christopher S. Palenik and JoAnn Buscaglia).
6.1 Introduction.
6.2 Theory.
6.2.1 Luminescence Terminology.
6.2.2 Electron Source.
6.2.3 Cathodoluminesence.
6.2.4 Limitations.
6.3 Instrumentation.
6.3.1 Electron Source.
6.3.2 Microscope.
6.3.3 Camera.
6.3.4 Spectrometer.
6.3.5 SEM–CL.
6.4 Techniques and Forensic Considerations.
6.4.1 Instrumental Conditions.
6.4.2 Sample Preparation and Preservation.
6.4.3 Image Collection.
6.4.4 Spectral Collection.
6.4.5 Luminescence Fading.
6.4.6 Sample Alteration.
6.5 Luminescent Minerals.
6.5.1 Calcium Carbonate Group.
6.5.2 Feldspar Group.
6.5.3 Quartz.
6.5.4 Accessory Minerals.
6.6 Forensic Applications.
6.6.1 Screening and Comparison.
6.6.2 Identifi cation.
6.6.3 Authentication.
6.6.4 Provenance.
6.7 Geological Samples: Soil and Sand.
6.8 Anthropogenic Materials.
6.8.1 Cement and Concrete.
6.8.2 Slag, Fly Ash, and Bottom Ash.
6.8.3 Glass.
6.8.4 Paint.
6.8.5 Duct Tape.
6.9 Conclusions and Outlook.
Acknowledgments.
References.
7. Forensic Application of DARTTM (Direct Analysis in Real Time) Mass Spectrometry (James A. Laramée, Robert B. Cody, J. Michael Nilles, and H. Dupont Durst).
7.1 Introduction.
7.2 Experimental.
7.3 Drug and Pharmaceutical Analysis.
7.3.1 Confi scated Samples.
7.3.2 Endogenous Drugs.
7.3.3 Drug Residues on Surfaces.
7.4 Samples from the Human Body.
7.4.1 Fingerprints.
7.4.2 Bodily Fluids.
7.5 Condom Lubricants.
7.6 Dyes.
7.6.1 Self–Defense Sprays.
7.6.2 Currency–Pack Dye.
7.7 Explosives.
7.8 Arson Accelerants.
7.9 Chemical Warfare Agents.
7.10 Elevated–Temperature DART for Material Identifi cation.
7.11 Glues.
7.12 Plastics.
7.13 Fibers.
7.14 Identifi cation of Inks.
7.15 Conclusion.
Acknowledgments.
References.
8. Forensic An alysis of Dyes in Fibers Via Mass Spectrometry (Linda A. Lewis and Michael E. Sigman).
8.1 Introduction.
8.2 Conventional Fiber Color Comparison Methods Employed in Forensic Laboratories.
8.3 Shortcomings Associated with UV–Vis Based Comparative Analysis for Trace–Fiber Color Evaluations.
8.4 General Overview of Modern Dye Ionization Techniques for Mass Analysis.
8.5 Trace–Fiber Color Discrimination by Direct ESI–MS Analysis.
8.6 Examples of Negative Ion ESI–MS Analysis of Colored Nylon Windings.
8.7 Examples of Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) Applications to Elucidate Structure.
8.8 LC–MS Analysis of Dyes Extracted from Trace Fibers.
8.9 Proposed Protocols to Compare Trace–Fiber Extracts.
8.9.1 Direct Infusion MS/MS Protocol.
8.9.2 Generalized LC–MS and LC–MS/MS Protocol.
8.10 Conclusions.
Acknowledgments.
References.
9. Characterization of Surface–Modifi ed Fibers (Robert D. Blackledge and Kurt Gaenzle).
9.1 Fibers as Associative Evidence.
9.2 Surface–Modifi ed Fibers.
9.3 Preliminary Examinations.
9.3.1 Infrared Spectra and Properties Measured by Polarized Light Microscopy.
9.3.2 Infrared Mapping with an FTIR Microscope.
9.3.3 Raman Mapping.
9.3.4 AATCC Test Method 118–2002.
9.3.5 A Simple Example.
9.4 Distinguishing Tests.
9.4.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy.
9.4.2 Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.
9.4.3 Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.
Acknowledgments.
References.
10. Characterization of Smokeless Powders (Wayne Moorehead).
10.1 Introduction.
10.2 Purpose of Analysis.
10.2.1 Identifi cation of Smokeless Powder.
10.2.2 Determining Brand.
10.3 Brief History of Smokeless Powder.
10.4 Characterization Toward Smokeless Powder Identification.
10.5 Characterization Toward Brand Identification.
10.