Abstract Title

Vibrational Spectroscopy in Forensic Investigations

Abstract

Chemical analysis of materials from a crime scene may prove helpful in determining a suspect. In some cases a bit of material left at the crime scene may be analyzed for a match with material in the possession of the suspect. In other cases bodily materials may be useful in determining the cause and date of death. We have been studying the use of vibrational spectroscopy as a chemical analysis technique for these purposes. In one study infrared and Raman spectra of fingernails was collected. Fingernails are made of keratin, a protein. There are several vibrational bands which are associated with the amide group present in keratin. A main goal is to see if the movement of these bands or the loss of intensity in these bands is useful to determine the quality of the keratin or a human characteristics such as age, gender, race, and health. Also, the infrared and Raman spectra of rope samples were collected to differentiate between rope types. Results from these vibrational spectroscopic studies along with microscopic analysis will be presented.

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Poster #W30

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Vibrational Spectroscopy in Forensic Investigations

Chemical analysis of materials from a crime scene may prove helpful in determining a suspect. In some cases a bit of material left at the crime scene may be analyzed for a match with material in the possession of the suspect. In other cases bodily materials may be useful in determining the cause and date of death. We have been studying the use of vibrational spectroscopy as a chemical analysis technique for these purposes. In one study infrared and Raman spectra of fingernails was collected. Fingernails are made of keratin, a protein. There are several vibrational bands which are associated with the amide group present in keratin. A main goal is to see if the movement of these bands or the loss of intensity in these bands is useful to determine the quality of the keratin or a human characteristics such as age, gender, race, and health. Also, the infrared and Raman spectra of rope samples were collected to differentiate between rope types. Results from these vibrational spectroscopic studies along with microscopic analysis will be presented.