ffTA forensic trace evidence analysis system - glass, fibers, body fluids, drugs etc.

FTA - Trace Evidence Analysis forensic tool

Multi-functional analytical system

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Up to six analytical and examination techniques may be mounted on to a single microscope.
An optical multiplexer allows the operator to switch from one function to another.
Glass Refractive Index Measurement system.

Description

ffTA is a powerful and flexible multifunctional system that provides the crime laboratory with a range of analytical facilities using a single microscope and PC.

An optical multiplexer allows the operator to switch from one function to another to perform a range of forensic examinations on evidence. The various modules are optional and can be simply retro-fitted to expand system capability when required.

Modules currently available for the ffTA include:

GLASS RI MEASUREMENTS

IMAGE PROCESSING AND COMPARISON

MICRO-SPECTROMETRY

FLUORESCENCE IMAGING

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

POLARIZED LIGHT MICROSCOPY

For full details and system specifications of the ffTA systems currently available please contact our sales department or download the product brochure.

Glass RI

The GRIM^®3 system available for the ffTA, uses the widely accepted forensic laboratory technique for glass RI determination, the oil immersion/temperature variation method. The system operates through a standard laboratory microscope with phase contrast optics and a Mettler hotstage for temperature control. Using GRIM^®3, repeat measurements produce results with a standard deviation of, typically, 0.00002RI.

GRIM^®3 can monitor up to four glass fragment edges per operation, speeding the casework examination process, giving improved statistical accuracy and reducing calibration time.

Casework measurements are filed, password protected, with the essential information that identifies each fragment of glass examined, including for example its source, casework reference, and operator identity. Basic statistics are generated including average, range, spread and standard deviation. Results may be displayed as scatter diagrams and formatted for exportation to Microsoft Office for additional analysis.

GRIM^®3 features include:

NEW multiple edge measurement technology
Match point detection
Enhanced casework documentation
High levels of temperature stability

Image Processing

A comprehensive software module for processing images from the 5million pixel CCD colour camera mounted on the ffTA image optical multiplexer.

Functions include:

Image enhancement
A range of live and stored image comparison methods
Image grey level, de-speckle filters, and contrast stretch
Spatial reversals, rotations and measurements

Micro-Spectrometry

A fibre-optic coupled, high sensitivity, high dynamic range spectrometer providing spectra from 400nm to 1000nm with sub 5nm resolution.

With appropriate light sources installed the spectrometer provides reflectance, transmission and fluorescence spectra from samples in the size range of 1.5 to 12 microns.

Micro-spectroscopy features include:

Non-destructive analysis of evidence samples
Spectral comparison and discrimination
Analysis of organic compounds including paint and fibres etc.

Fluorescent Imaging

A choice of two fluorescence modules using metal halide or mercury vapour lamps, provide the ffTA with powerful spectrofluorometry and fluorescence imaging capabilities for the rapid analysis of organic compounds.

Fluorescent imaging applications include:

Identification of chemicals and illegal substances
Imaging of biological samples
Examination of accelerants such as petrol, diesel and kerosene etc.

Light Polarisation

Primarily used for the detailed cross-polarisation birefringence examination of fibres the ffTA polarised light module can also be used for the analysis of other samples including chemical crystals (e.g. caffeine) and rocks and minerals.

Light polarisation applications include:

Identification of chemicals crystals
Examination of rocks and minerals

Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool that is widely used in forensic science for the study of organic and/or inorganic materials including paint chips, fibres, inks, drugs and controlled substances, as well as residue from explosives, flammables and accelerants.

Raman spectra exhibit numerous features that are specific to molecular structure and provide valuable "fingerprints" for comparing and differentiating materials.

Equipped with three tuneable laser wavelengths, 785nm (invisible), 638nm and 532nm, the Foram X3 module is a uniquely versatile device that offers high levels of sensitivity using the 532nm, the ability to supress fluorescence using the near infra-red 785nm laser, as well as the balance between power and sensitivity that can be achieved through using the 638nm laser.

Raman spectroscopy features include:

Non-contact, non-destructive analysis of trace materials
Analysis of materials in solid or liquid form
Rapid examination with minimum sample preparation required

Raman Spectra Libraries

Users of the Foster + Freeman Foram (all models) and ffTA (with Raman module fitted) can now further enhance the capabilities of their instruments through the purchase of additional Raman Spectra Libraries for the identification of unknown materials and compounds.

Raman spectra can often be very complex and difficult to interpret. When presented with an unfamiliar sample the key to successful identification is the ability to access a reference database.

Foster + Freeman, in partnership with S.T. Japan GmbH are now able to offer a comprehensive collection of Raman spectra libraries that have been formatted for use with the Foram and ffTA systems.

In total over nine thousand spectra of common and specialist materials are available divided into 20 categorised libraries including: