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Application

Forensics

Crucial tasks in forensics include the microscopic analysis of very small objects in order to accurately verify the source of specific compounds within a sample, or to compare the properties of several samples. WITec imaging systems enable comprehensive sample analysis to provide a thorough characterization of the physical and chemical properties of various samples in forensics. Confocal Raman imaging for example is a very effective tool for these investigations as it provides information on the chemical composition as well as the spatial distribution of the components. The samples typically do not require specific sample preparation and remain unaltered for further investigations with other methods due to Raman imaging being a non-destructive, non-contact and non-contaminating analysis technique.

WITec’s highly versatile instruments can combine various imaging techniques to significantly increase the insights provided by measurement results. Possible combinations which can be included in a single microscope setup include confocal Raman imaging, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Nearfield-Microscopy (SNOM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Confocal Raman imaging provides chemical information, AFM detects topography, structure, and physical properties such as stiffness, adhesion, etc. of the sample’s surface, and SNOM high-resolution measurements can optically reach beyond the diffraction limit. All WITec instrument configurations can be upgraded at any point to adapt the system to new or extended requirements.


Application Examples

Confocal large-area Raman image of a human fingerprint. Magenta: Sulfur; Dark Blue: Amorphous Carbon; Light Blue: Nitrate.
Confocal large-area Raman image of a human fingerprint. Magenta: Sulfur; Dark Blue: Amorphous Carbon; Light Blue: Nitrate.
Order of ballpoint pen writing on paper determined by a depth profile in z-direction (Green: Pen I; Red: Pen II).
Order of ballpoint pen writing on paper determined by a depth profile in z-direction (Green: Pen I; Red: Pen II).

Literature

Application Note Forensics


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If you'd like to learn more about the possibilities of Raman imaging for your individual field of application, one of our specialists will be happy to discuss them with you.

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