ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Use of the Scanning Electron Microscope to Examine Fiber Impressions on Typewriter Correction Tape
Hellman, FN
Major, M.C., U.S.A., and Associate Medical Examiner, Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, D.C.

Pecko, JL
Captains, U.S.A.F.; Graduate Students, George Washington University, D.C.

Galbreath, NW
Captains, U.S.A.F.; Graduate Students, George Washington University, D.C.

Castro, SM
Captains, U.S.A.F.; Graduate Students, George Washington University, D.C.

Rowe, WF
Professor, The George Washington University, D.C.

(Received 8 February 1993; accepted 1 August 1994)

Abstract

When a correction ribbon is used to correct a type-written document, fiber impressions from the paper are impressed upon the ribbon. Previous research used a comparison microscope to match fibers and fiber impressions between a correction ribbon and a document. However, because of inherent features of the correction ribbon system, several difficulties were encountered. Consequently, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to alleviate some of the problems discovered by past research. The SEM, with its greater magnification power, detected both fibers and fiber impressions, creating a basis for association between a questioned document and a correction ribbon. Use of SEM also ameliorated the problems of past research and greatly enhanced points of comparison.

Keywords:
questioned documents, typewriter, correction ribbon, scanning electron microscope

Paper ID: JFS15360J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15360J
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