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Identification of substances: Spectroscopic techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS) are commonly used in forensic science to identify unknown substances found at crime scenes or on evidence.
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Analysis of trace evidence: Spectroscopic methods are sensitive enough to analyse trace amounts of substances, making them valuable for examining microscopic particles, fibres, paints, and other materials that could provide crucial evidence in criminal investigations (Lepot et al., 2008).
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Drug analysis: Forensic spectroscopy plays a significant role in the identification and quantification of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, and other controlled substance (Weber et al., 2023). Techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and chromatography coupled with spectroscopic detection are commonly used in drug analysis.
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Explosives detection: Spectroscopic techniques, particularly Raman spectroscopy, are employed in the detection and identification of explosive materials. These methods can rapidly analyze suspicious substances to determine if they contain explosive compounds.
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Firearm residue analysis: Spectroscopic techniques like scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) are used to analyze gunshot residue (GSR) left on individuals or surfaces after the discharge of firearms, aiding in the investigation of shootings.
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Forensic imaging: Spectroscopic imaging techniques, such as infrared imaging and hyperspectral imaging, enable visualization of latent prints, bloodstains, and other evidence not easily visible to the naked eye, enhancing the detection and analysis of forensic evidence.
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Authentication of documents and artworks: Spectroscopic methods are utilized to analyze the chemical composition of inks, pigments, and other materials used in documents, paintings, and artworks, assisting in the authentication process and the detection of forgeries.
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Toxicology: Spectroscopic techniques are employed in toxicological analyses to identify and quantify toxic substances in biological samples such as blood, urine, and tissue, aiding in determining the cause of death or investigating cases of poisoning (Gill et al., 1982).
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Environmental forensics: Spectroscopic methods are applied in environmental forensics to identify pollutants, contaminants, and chemical signatures in soil, water, air, and other environmental samples, assisting in the investigation of environmental crimes and pollution incidents.