NCJ Number
77119
Date Published
1979
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Various applications of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis at the Los Angeles County Forensic Science Center are described.
Abstract
This analysis technique has proven a valuable tool in the clarification or confirmation of suspected pathological conditions. In one case, the presence of residual thorium dioxide in the decedent's spleen was confirmed; and in another, not only was the presence of asbestos in the lung confirmed, but also the particular types of asbestos fibers were determined. In a third case involving a chemical burn which resulted from an explosion, the presence of one of the suspected reactants in the explosion was readily detected on the skin surface. In questionable suicides by gunshot, SEM/X-ray analysis has demonstrated its potential in arriving at a determination of whether or not the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. Primer residues are picked up from the back of the decedent's hand, observed in the SEM, and identified by their elemental composition using X-ray analysis. This instrumentation can also be important in the determination of the source of a lethal bullet by examination of a gunshot wound. Such analyses have shown their potential value in situations where the bullet cannot be located and its source may be obscure because two or more parties were firing weapons. Photographs and a three-item reference list are included. (Author abstract modified)