Best of the Week: The Future of Forensic Analysis, Next-Gen Mineral Identification

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles feature topics such as forensic analysis and mineral identification. Much attention is given to spectroscopic techniques including near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and more. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

The Future of Forensic Analysis: Previewing the Upcoming E-Book

This article previews what readers can expect in our e-book, including two new Q&A interviews with forensic scientists Brooke Kammrath and Glen Jackson, as well as a peer-reviewed article written by industry experts that used various spectroscopic techniques to conduct key research in this space (1). This preview covers some, but not all, of the content readers can expect to see when “The Future of Forensic Analysis” e-book is released (1)

Compact LIBS Sensor Modernizes Crime Scene Forensics

A collaboration between researchers from the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) has resulted in the development of an innovative laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) sensor (2). This advanced tool is designed specifically for law enforcement, providing a versatile and portable solution for forensic evidence analysis at crime scenes (2). The sensor operates in both handheld and tabletop modes, offering high sensitivity for on-the-spot forensic investigations, potentially transforming crime scene analysis (2).

Miniaturized Near-Infrared Spectrophotometers in Forensic Analytical Science

As part of “The Future of Forensic Analysis,” Spectroscopy managing editor John Chasse sat down with Celio Pasquini to talk about the transformative impact of miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) instruments in forensics. These compact, portable, or handheld devices allow forensic researchers and analysts to perform field studies with ease, delivering accurate and tailored qualitative and quantitative results (3). Pasquini highlights how these miniaturized tools significantly reduce the time and cost typically associated with traditional laboratory equipment (3). The research Pasquini and his team conducted provides a comprehensive and critical review of these instruments and their role in advancing forensic technology.

How the New Jersey State Police Are Using FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy

As part of “The Future of Forensic Analysis,” Spectroscopy associate editorial director Caroline Hroncich sat down with Detective Sergeant Pakorn Patimetha of the New Jersey State Police's Hazardous Materials Response Unit (HMRU) to talk about the growing use of portable spectroscopy technologies, such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy, to detect hazardous materials in the field. These tools are crucial in helping officers identify illicit substances like fentanyl, which is vital for preventing drug overdoses and protecting the public and law enforcement from exposure (4). The unit has increased training efforts as drug overdose deaths continue to rise, with opioids responsible for the majority of the 108,000 overdose deaths reported in 2022 (4).

Next-Gen Mineral Identification: Fusing LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy with Machine Learning

A recent study Yujia Dai, Ziyuan Liu, and Shangyong Zhao from Zhejiang A&F University integrates laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with Raman spectroscopy (RS) and applies machine learning (ML) to achieve exceptional accuracy in mineral identification (5). The combined approach not only leverages the strengths of both techniques but also enhances classification precision, achieving up to 98.4% accuracy (5).

References

1. Wetzel, W. The Future of Forensic Analysis: Previewing the Upcoming E-Book. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-future-of-forensic-analysis-previewing-the-upcoming-e-book (accessed 2024-09-19).
2. Workman, Jr., J. Compact LIBS Sensor Modernizes Crime Scene Forensics. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/compact-libs-sensor-modernizes-crime-scene-forensics (accessed 2024-09-19).
3. Chasse, J. Miniaturized Near-Infrared Spectrophotometers in Forensic Analytical Science. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/miniaturized-near-infrared-spectrophotometers-in-forensic-analytical-science (accessed 2024-09-19).
4. Hroncich, C. How the New Jersey State Police Are Using FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-jersey-state-police-are-using-ft-ir-and-raman-spectroscopy (accessed 2024-09-19).
5. Workman, Jr., J. Next-Gen Mineral Identification: Fusing LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy with Machine Learning. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/next-gen-mineral-identification-fusing-libs-and-raman-spectroscopy-with-machine-learning (accessed 2024-09-19).