Spectroscopy plays an important role in forensic science because it helps identify and analyze substances at a crime scene quickly and accurately.
How Spectroscopy is Used in Forensics
- Identifying Chemicals
- Detects drugs, toxins, explosives, and unknown chemicals.
- Each substance has a unique spectral fingerprint, making identification reliable.
- Analyzing Trace Evidence
- Examines hair, fibers, paints, and inks.
- Determines composition and origin, which can link suspects to a crime.
- Blood and Body Fluids Detection
- Spectroscopy can detect blood, saliva, or other fluids even in small amounts.
- Helps in crime scene reconstruction.
- Drug and Poison Analysis
- Detects and quantifies illicit drugs or toxic substances in samples.
- Used in toxicology reports for court cases.
- Document and Ink Examination
- Analyzes forged documents or altered signatures.
- Distinguishes inks and papers using their spectral properties.
Simple Summary
- Spectroscopy gives a chemical fingerprint of substances.
- Helps forensic scientists identify, compare, and analyze evidence quickly and accurately.
In short: Spectroscopy in forensics is like a detective tool for chemicals — it tells what substances are present and in what quantity, helping solve crimes.