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Springer Handbook of Microscopy pp 1507–1524Cite as

Microscopy in Forensic Sciences

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Abstract

This chapter examines the use of electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and other analytical techniques in forensic investigation and research. These tools can be used to enhance examination of human remains and trace evidence to improve understanding of cause of death, victim identification, or postmortem interval.

A police-designed scenario is used to highlight trace evidence such as glass, gunshot residue, and paint. The validity of forensic techniques is discussed, with reference to international standards, repeatability, and false convictions. Ballistic evidence is used to highlight the complexities in evidence interpretation, including manufacturing variability, environmental effects, and likelihood ratios.

The use of scanning electron microscopy ( ), atomic force microscopy ( ), and other techniques in the development of forensic research is showcased, with particular examples from the field of fingerprint analysis. Examples include improvements in the development of fingermarks from difficult surfaces, the interaction of evidence types, and added intelligence from the crime scene, such as forensic timeline or gender of perpetrator.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to Mrs Isobel Stewart MRSC CChem for helpful comments and to Insp. Dennis Gentles (Retd.) for setting the crime scene.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Science, Engineering & Technology, Abertay University, Dundee, UK

    Benjamin J. Jones

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  1. Benjamin J. Jones
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Correspondence to Benjamin J. Jones .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. CEMES-CNRS, Toulouse, France

    Peter W. Hawkes

  2. Dept. of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA

    John C. H. Spence

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Jones, B.J. (2019). Microscopy in Forensic Sciences. In: Hawkes, P.W., Spence, J.C.H. (eds) Springer Handbook of Microscopy. Springer Handbooks. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00069-1_32

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