ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 8

Studies of Techniques for Analysis of Photocopy Toners by IR
Bartick, EG
Chemist and Research Chemist, Forensic Science Research Unit, FBI Laboratory, FBI Academy, VA

Merrill, RA
Chemist and Research Chemist, Forensic Science Research Unit, FBI Laboratory, FBI Academy, VA

Mazzella, WD
Research Assistant, Institute de Police Scientifique et de Criminologie, Université de Lausanne,

(Received 5 June 1995; accepted 31 July 1995)

Abstract

A study was undertaken to examine three measurement techniques for the analysis of photocopy toners by microscopical infrared spectrometry (IR) and to compare these techniques to studies previously done by Diffuse Reflectance (DR). Based on our preliminary studies, analysis of photocopy toners may be successfully performed by DR, microscopical Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) with a germanium Internal Reflection Element (IRE) or by microscopical Reflection-Absorption (R-A) techniques with a variety of reflecting media including mirrored slides, low emissivity glass, and aluminum foil. Selection of the analysis technique can be made based on equipment availability, budgetary constraints, ease of sample preparation, speed of analysis, and importance of the original photocopied document to determine if a mildly destructive technique can be used.

Keywords:
forensic science, questioned documents, photocopy toner, infrared spectroscopy, FTIR, infrared microspectroscopy, FTIR microscopy, infrared microscopical spectrometry, diffuse reflectance, attenuated total reflectance, reflection-absorption

Paper ID: JFS15424J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15424J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.