ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1982
Page Count: 10

Density, Refractive Index, and Dispersion in the Examination of Glass: Their Relative Worth as Proof
Slater, DP
Sertior medical technologist, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, CA

Fong, W
Criminalist, Santa Clara County Laboratory of Criminalistics, CA

(Received 21 July 1981; accepted 10 November 1981)

Abstract

By statistical analysis of probabilities, the value of density, refractive index, and dispersion for identifying the source of glass samples is evaluated. Empirical tests validated the statistical conclusions. It was determined that density has by far the greatest differentiating power of the three parameters tested; assuming equal thresholds of discrimination, density has a differentiating power some six times greater than that of refractive index. Dispersion offers little, if any, improvement over refractive index. Density and refractive index together are somewhat greater in value than density alone.

Keywords:
criminalistics, glass, physical properties

Paper ID: JFS12159J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12159J
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