Micro-Fibers Evaluation Utilizing FTIR Microscopy

Forensic investigations commonly involve the collection of textile fibers when examining crime scenes. It is vital to characterize and identify those fibers as they can provide extensive information relating to a crime, tying a suspect to a location. Microscopic fibers can present problems in terms of both size and quantity of sample. Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) presents a nondestructive method to identify those fibers. FTIR can be coupled with microscopy presenting the ability to provide a forensic examiner with both detailed visual microscopic information and simultaneous material identification.