NCJ Number
133010
Journal
Kriminalist Volume: 22 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 519-521
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The article surveys functioning and use of laser beams with special emphasis on police work.
Abstract
Introduced in the 1960s, laser (short for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) now has uses in many fields including industry, medicine, research, and defense. In police investigations, special forensic laser systems check documents for signs of forgery; they find and make visible fluid traces and imprints. Laser holography produces unusually sharp photographs -- for example, of a shoe imprint that an offender has left on the carpet of the crime scene. In the future, laser holographs can also be used to visualize moving objects. Laser technology helps in the measurement of distances and surveillance of small objects. Even under bad lighting conditions, long-distance surveillance of smoke stack emissions is now possible. In the future, some police weapons will be equipped with laser technology to help them find their target. In addition to helping the police, laser can also be involved in crimes. Because of its highly focused intensity, this technology can injure people (deliberately or accidentally), damage objects, or serve as highly marketable theft items.