Significance of Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDX) for Analysis of Evidence Material in Forensic Sciences
Jumisree Sarmah Pathak, Arvind Kumar Saxena
Asian Journal of Research and Reviews in Physics · pp. 1–11 · Published 1 Apr 2024
10.9734/ajr2p/2024/v8i2159Abstract
Forensic applications of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are found mostly in areas where there is a need for good imaging at relatively high magnifications. SEM enables the forensic scientist to examine specimens at much higher magnification than those possible with optical microscopy and without the difficulties of specimen preparation associated with conventional electron microscope. Physicochemical examinations of gunshot residues, called also chemical ballistics, are helpful, e.g. in identification of damages and injuries as the effect of the use of firearms (with indicating the entrance and exit of projectile), estimation of the shooting distance and also establishing, whether a person has used a firearm. It is discussed in details that Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) can serve as a powerful tool for forensic scientists to classify and discriminate evidence material because they can simultaneously examine the morphology and the elemental composition of objects.
References (29)
- 1 Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis: A powerful tool in biomedical research and diagnosis [DOI]
- 2 Identification of gunshot residue: a critical review [DOI]
- 3 Chemometric Methods for Spectroscopy-Based Pharmaceutical Analysis [DOI]
- 4 Detection of Gunshot Residues Using Mass Spectrometry [DOI]
- 5 Formation of Gunshot Residues [DOI]
- 6 Comparison between micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopy techniques for the characterization of pigments from Southern Spain Cultural Heritage [DOI]
- 7 SEM–EDX—a useful tool for forensic examinations [DOI]
- 8 Elemental analysis of small glass fragments in forensic science [DOI]
- 9 The secondary transfer of gunshot residue: an experimental investigation carried out with SEM‐EDX analysis [DOI]
- 10 Characterisation of paint samples by infrared and Raman spectroscopy for criminalistic purposes [DOI]
- 11 Multi-Modal Compositional Analysis of Layered Paint Chips of Automobiles by the Combined Application of ATR-FTIR Imaging, Raman Microspectrometry, and SEM/EDX [DOI]
- 12 The Identification of Gunshot Residue Particles from Lead-Free Sintox Ammunition [DOI]
- 13 Sheet or Container?—Forensic Glass Comparisons with an Emphasis on Source Classification [DOI]
- 14 Trace Elemental Analysis of Drugs of Abuse Using Synchrotron Radiation Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (SR-TXRF) [DOI]
- 15 Morphology and composition of pyrotechnic residues formed at different levels of confinement [DOI]
- 16 Study of gunshot residue by NAA and ESEM/EDX using several kinds of weapon and ammunition [DOI]
- 17 Detection of Gunshot Residue on Dark‐Colored Clothing Prior to Chemical Analysis [DOI]
- 18 Search prefilters to assist in library searching of infrared spectra of automotive clear coats [DOI]
- 19 An Ultrastructural Study on the Effect of High Temperatures on Teeth and Restorative Materials That Aids in the Identification of Human Remains [DOI]
- 20 The Discrimination Between Samples of Window Glass by Combining Physical and Chemical Techniques [DOI]
- 21 Rapid Search and Quantitative Analysis of Gunshot Residue Particles in the SEM [DOI]
- 22 Glass-Containing Gunshot Residue Particles: A New Type of Highly Characteristic Particle? [DOI]
- 23 An elemental analysis of Indian automotive paint using SEM-EDS [DOI]
- 24 Investigation of Gunshot Residues by Means of Auger Electron Spectroscopy [DOI]
- 25 Scanning Electron Microscopy in Forensic Science [DOI]
- 26 Scanning Electron Microscopy [DOI]
- 27 Optimization of X-ray Fluorescence Calibration through the Introduction of Synthetic Standards for the Determination of Mineral Sands Oxides [DOI]
- 28 Elemental analysis of glasses in a SEM [DOI]
- 29 Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis for Chemical and Morphological Characterisation of the Inorganic Component of Gunshot Residue: Selected Problems [DOI]
Cited by 2
Nazia Zeeshan, Durgesh Wadhwa, Mohammad Mujhaid Ali Khan · Chemical Engineering & Technology · 2026
Showing 1 of 2 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.
Related research
- Gold Nanoparticle Uptake and Distribution in the Digestive Tract of Hermetia illucens Stratiomyidae: Diptera (L.1758) Based on Transmission Electron Microscopy — shares topic coverage
- New Data on the Ceratophyllum demersum L. as an Environmental Pollution Bioindicator — shares topic coverage
- Viability Kinetic Profile, Morphological Structure, and Physicochemical Characterization of Candida albicans Biofilm on Latex Silicone Surfaces — shares topic coverage
- Fabrication and Mechanical Property Evaluation of Ethiopia Banana Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites — shares topic coverage
- Effects of Fabric Pattern on the Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fabric/Unsaturated Polyester Composites — shares topic coverage
Article metrics
Real usage data collected on this platform.
35
Page views
0
PDF downloads
4
Outbound clicks
2
Citations
Views over time
Views by country
Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".
Traffic sources
Referring site, by host.
Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.