Spectrophotometry in Forensic Analysis

When an atom or compound is hit by a photon of the right energy, the photon is absorbed and an

electron in that atom or compound shifts up an energy level. If light of specific wavelengths are

directed through a substance, the difference in intensity between the light emitted and the light

received on the other side of the sample indicates the presence and concentration of a substance.

Testing with multiple wavelengths of light can provide a spectral signature which can

accurately determine the chemical makeup of a substance. Another method of finding spectral

signatures is to shine a broad spectrum, white light through the substance and then use

diffraction grating to separate the light into its individual wavelengths for measurement.

Spectrophotometry uses UV and IR, as well as visible light.

Spectrometry is extremely valuable in forensics because it is extremely accurate, requires a very

small sample, and in some cases, is non-destructive1. Evidence can be tested and also retained in

case test results are questioned in trial. Several different techniques are utilized, depending on

the material in question, in order to get a spectrographic analysis with varying degrees of

destruction of the source material. Fiber tests utilizing microspectrometry can be performed

using as little as 1 mm of a fiber. New techniques and equipment are now being developed that

will analyze much smaller fibers, down near 0.02 mm.2

Several techniques are used to prepare samples for analysis. One involves ionizing the test

sample, usually by dissolving it in a solvent. Light is then shined through the solvent and a

reading is taken. Liquids and gasses can be tested as is.3 Small enough fibers, gasses, and
translucent materials can undergo completely non-destructive process called microspectrometry.

The fiber is immersed in glycerol on a slide and placed under a microscope. Once the scan area

is properly centered, light is shined through the slide and readings are taken, providing a

signature indicating the makeup of the material.1,4 Another method being utilized is to shine the

light down through a substance and measure how much light is absorbed or reflected back. This

method is particularly useful in detecting blood-alcohol levels, as well as other IR and UV

absorbent drugs or toxins. It is now possible to measure blood alcohol levels using NIR

spectroscopy through the skin.5,6

Once readings have been taken, they are compared to spectroscopic data on known substances.

This data is often readily available to law enforcement from textile/dye manufacturers,

pharmaceutical companies, chemical companies, prior forensic testing, and many other sources.

The majority of the time, a sample can be identified, not only as to who it was manufactured by,

but which batch it was from.7 This also allows the forensic chemist to determine what

contaminants may be present on, or in a sample. In some cases, by taking a sample from a crime

scene it can be matched to residue found on a suspect or his/her clothing8. Through

spectrometry, the samples can be identified and matched. When dealing with items made in

small batches or with a large variance in materials composition, this can indicate a strong

likelihood that matching signatures place the suspect at the scene of the crime. Even in cases

with large-batch, high consistency materials, matching sample spectral signatures can be used to

corroborate further evidence, building a stronger case.

1 http://sensing.konicaminolta.us/2013/10/spectroscopy-and-forensics/

2 http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/archive/tcaw/13/i10/pdf/1004instruments.pdf

3 http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Fe-Ge/Forensic-Chemistry.html

4 http://projects.nfstc.org/trace/docs/final/doupe.pdf

5 http://sensing.konicaminolta.us/2013/11/blood-alcohol-content-is-measured-using-nir-

spectroscopy/

6 http://science.howstuffworks.com/forensic-lab-technique2.htm

7 http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-

communications/fsc/oct2007/index.htm/standards/2007_10_standards01.htm

8 http://science.howstuffworks.com/forensic-lab-technique4.htm