NCJ Number
146658
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 226-230
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A simple method for sampling photocopy toners by thermal transfer to metallic stubs is described that causes only negligible destruction to the photocopy original.
Abstract
The toner material was transferred to metallic stubs for direct examination by microreflectance fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (microreflectance FTIR). Metallic stubs designed for use in a scanning electron microscope were used to lift samples of toner from paper. These stubs, made of aluminum, were cylindrical in form, with a diameter of 10 or 13 mm and a height of 5 mm. A stub was placed over the sampling area, and the backside of the stub was heated by pressing a hot soldering iron equipped with a stainless steel cylindrical tip. The transfer of toner material was carried out for 1 minute, and measurements of microreflectance FTIR spectra were then performed. The microreflectance FTIR method showed good reproducibility and was sensitive and applicable to small areas on the transferred material. 2 references and 3 figures