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Photon activation analysis as a tool for evidentiary sample identification: a feasibility study

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Abstract

In this study we investigated the feasibility of using photon activation analysis (PAA) for the identification and individualization of crime scene evidence. We prepared six samples of stainless steel knife blades belonging to same or different knives and activated them with bremsstrahlung photons produced by a 30 MeV electron beam. A number of alloying elements and impurities were identified by gamma-spectroscopy. Comparing the ratios of concentrations of Ti, Cr, As, Co, and Ni, allowed us to easily attribute the samples. While more work is needed to optimize the analytical method and improve its sensitivity, we believe PAA can be successfully used for non-destructive evidence materials identification.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Professor Doug Wells for helpful suggestions and discussions and to the Idaho Accelerator Center staff for their support in conducting the experiment.

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Author notes

  1. Valeriia N. Starovoitova

    Present address: Niowave Inc, 1012 Walnut St, Lansing, 48906, MI, USA

  2. Christian Segebade

    Present address: Department of Physics, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Idaho Accelerator Center, 1500 Alvin Ricken Dr, Pocatello, 83201, ID, USA

    Valeriia N. Starovoitova & Christian Segebade

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  1. Valeriia N. Starovoitova
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  2. Christian Segebade
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Correspondence to Valeriia N. Starovoitova.

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Starovoitova, V.N., Segebade, C. Photon activation analysis as a tool for evidentiary sample identification: a feasibility study. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 311, 611–615 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-4964-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-4964-5

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