Elemental Analysis by Energy Dispersive X-Ray: A Significant Factor in the Forensic Analysis of Glass
Reeve, V
Manager, Applications and Training Office, California State Department of Justice, Sacramento, Calif.

Mathiesen, J
Senior scientist, Finnigan Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif.

Fong, W
Criminalist III, Forensic Science Laboratory, Department of District Attorney, County of Santa Clara, San Jose, Calif.


Abstract
Comparison of glass particles by the forensic scientist is routinely accomplished by measuring some physical properties. Direct comparison of densities &rgr; and refractive indexes (&eegr;C, &eegr;D, and &eegr;F being the refractive indexes determined at 6563, 5893, and 4861 nm, respectively) are the most widely used physical measurements because of convenience, reproducibility, sensitivity, and applicability to small sample size. Traditionally, if the physical comparison showed significant difference, it was concluded that the two glass samples could not have had a common origin. Conversely, when the specimens were not distinguishable the forensic scientist reported these samples as possibly having the same origin. Generally he did this without giving consideration to another variable—elemental composition of the samples.

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Paper ID: JFS212760291

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Author Reeve V, Mathiesen J, Fong W Title Elemental Analysis by Energy Dispersive X-Ray: A Significant Factor in the Forensic Analysis of Glass Symposium , Committee on