Date of Award

1-1-2013

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Chemistry

Content Description

1 online resource (ix, 167 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Igor K. Lednev

Committee Members

Ying Zhou, Evgeny Dikarev, Jayanti Pande, Jan Halamek

Keywords

Chemometrics, Forensic Chemistry, Gunshot Residue, Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Spectroscopy, Forensic ballistics, Firearms, Raman spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy

Subject Categories

Analytical Chemistry | Chemistry

Abstract

Due to the increasing prevalence of firearm related crimes, there is a need for an all-encompassing analytical technique which can rapidly detect and analyze trace crime scene firearm evidence. There are several forms of ballistics and trace evidence associated with firearm offenses. Historically, the most neglected piece of evidence has ironically been the most prevalent. Each firearm discharge produces a so called gunshot residue (GSR) sample, expelling dust and particles numbering from hundreds to thousands throughout the shooting environment. The detection of GSR at a crime scene or on a suspect is critical for determining what actually happened during a shooting incident.

Share

COinS