This week I found an article
explaining a new forensic technique that can be used to identify the brand of
lipstick used at a crime scene. The technique is known as Raman spectroscopy,
it uses a laser to monitor molecular vibrations for sample identification. The
vibration patterns of a sample are compared to those of a standard (known sample),
this will allow for identification of the
source of a sample In forensic cases this might not always be possible due to
integrity issues of the sample, meaning that evidence is often compromised by
weather, contamination, ect.
Preservation of trace evidence, such as lipstick
markings on a cigarette butt, is especially difficult due to invasive testing.
However, this issue can be eliminated for such evidence using Raman. Because
this technique uses a light source (laser) to analyze samples, the evidence
from a crime scene would not have to be removed from the bag, as long as the
bag was clear/transparent. This method of analyzing evidence could be very advantageous for forensic investigations. Has anyone heard about this? Has anyone used Raman before? If so, what are some benefits or disadvantages you found while working with the instrument?
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130808124054.htm
Lauren had written about this awhile back. I think its a really great development. Compromising the evidence is the last thing we want to do. I wonder if the instrument can be used on anything other than lipstick.
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I haven't heard about this specific use of Raman; however, I recently (like 2 weeks ago) did a presentation in my Chemical Seminar class over using Raman Spectroscopy to match Gun Shot Residue to the make/type of bullet it came from.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see all of the new ways that Raman can be used!
Take home message: Girls do not wear lipstick, Guys save your money !
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