“13 People Die of Alcohol Poisoning in Northern Moroccan City”-27th September 2022 Morocco world news.
In scenarios like the one above, spectroscopy techniques play a crucial role in identifying poisoned alcohol. Spectroscopy can be defined as the process of scientifically and objectively measuring colour and radio wavelengths. Radio waves are electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. From hairs and fibres to blood and thumbprints on a crime scene, this technique is extremely advantageous in analysing the smallest pieces of evidence found on crime scenes.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a highly depended-upon process by forensic analysts and crime investigators as it efficiently analyses samples as small as 10 microns and provides highly accurate, easy-to-understand results that even go as far as proving whether a suspect is guilty. Moreover, advanced software can effectively verify software performance and increase data reliability for both the investigator and the jury.
One such application of this versatile technique is the identification of counterfeit currency. With ever-increasing technological advancements, it has become extremely easy for a criminal to produce counterfeit notes with just a photographic copier. However, a simple scanner would be unable to replicate the unique ink and paper with its special characteristics used in real money which is the reason why FT-IR can instantaneously spot a fake note anywhere! In extension, the same principle is used to accurately analyse salient documents or pieces of paper on a crime scene.
Hairs may look worthless on a crime scene but may prove to be the most important evidence in identifying the criminal. Not only can this technique reveal the type of hair products used but also disclose protein structure changes in a single strand of hair as a result of undergoing different chemical procedures. This detailed analysis of each strand of hair can be traced back to a specific ethnic group and may prove essential in identifying the suspect. Moreover, this process being non-destructive is highly beneficial for crime investigators who need to preserve the evidence in order to solve the case.
Therefore, we can see how essential this process truly is in analysing several pieces of evidence ranging from body fluids to paint and dyes found on crime scenes and efficiently revealing the identity of the suspect due to its sensitive and non-destructive nature.
- Minnoli Pitale
Bibliography
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/09/351557/13-people-die-of-alcohol-poisoning-in-northern-moroccan-city
https://www.hunterlab.com/blog/spectrophotometry-in-forensics/#:~:text=With%20spectrophotometry%2C%20forensic%20examiners%20can,its%20non%2Ddestructive%20analytical%20abilities.
https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/brochures/AN51517-E-ForensicCrime1013M-H-0115.pdf
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