z-logo
Premium
A Versatile Technique for the Investigation of Gunshot Residue Patterns on Fabrics and Other Surfaces: m‐XRF
Author(s) -
Berendes Antje,
Neimke Dieter,
Schumacher Rüdiger,
Barth Martin
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00225.x
Subject(s) - materials science , spectrometer , shot (pellet) , adhesive , millimeter , analytical chemistry (journal) , composite material , optics , chemistry , metallurgy , chromatography , physics , layer (electronics)
With heavy‐metal‐free ammunitions becoming more and more popular, it is necessary to find methods to visualize patterns of those elements in gunshot residues (GSRs) that are not accessible by chemographic coloring tests. The recently introduced millimeter‐X‐ray fluorescence analysis (m‐XRF) spectrometer Spectro Midex M offers an easy way to record mappings of GSRs containing such elements in order to determine shooting distances as well as the general composition of these particles. A motorized stage enables samples of a maximum size of 20 × 20 cm to be investigated, like fabric, clothes, adhesive tapes (Filmolux ® films), and polyvinylalcohol gloves of shooter's hands. Human tissues can be measured using a Peltier‐cooled specimen holder that is mounted onto the stage. As the spot size of the exiting X‐rays lies in the millimeter range, which is adequate for the assessment of the residue patterns for shooting distance determination, a significant reduction in measurement time is achieved compared with μ‐XRF methods. Test shots with heavy‐metal‐free ammunitions were performed on different target materials, like pork skin and fabric, and the elemental distributions of Ti, K, and Ga were determined. In order to show the capability of the spectrometer for conventional lead ammunitions as well, a shot series of 5–100 cm shooting distance and an adhesive tape of a shooter's hand were investigated analogously. A comparison of several methods applied in GSR investigation shows the advantages of the m‐XRF method.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here