Raman Spectroscopy for Forensic Purposes: Recent Applications for Serology and Gunshot Residue Analysis

• NCJ Number: 253214
• Journal: Trac-Trends in Analytical Chemistry Volume: 103 Dated: June 2018 Pages: 215-222
• Author(s): Kyle C. Doty; Igor K. Lednev
• Date Published: June 2018
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-DN-BX-K016; 2015-R2-CX-0021
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Raman spectroscopy for analyzing body fluid traces: Moving towards a practical forensic application; Forensic Investigation of Bloodstains Using Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics: species differentiation, kinetic changes, donor age, and potential false positives

Annotation

This article reviews the applications of Raman spectroscopy (RS) in forensic serology and for the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR), since RS promises significant advancement in these areas for practical forensics.

Abstract

The realm of forensics is scientifically complex, with multiple disciplines utilizing a plethora of analytical techniques to identify, detect, and differentiate between countless types of evidence for solving crimes. The rapid, highly-selective, and nondestructive method of Raman spectroscopy (RS) has shown continued promise for analysis of many types of forensic samples. The incorporation of chemometrics further enhances the specificity of RS, and offers the opportunity of automatic data analysis and estimation of error rates, which are important requirements for modern forensic tools. The studies included in this current review, particularly with the utilization of portable instrumentation, support how crucial RS is to the field of forensic science, and should help facilitate its incorporation for routine sample analysis in the near future. (publisher abstract modified)