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The use of analytical instrumentation to uncover facts from even the smallest traces of evidence plays a key role in today's forensic laboratories.
Increasing importance of X-ray analysis
A wide range of techniques is employed, but analytical X-ray methods - X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) – are becoming increasingly important. This is largely due to their:
- speed, accuracy and reproducibility of results
- flexibility – data provided on a diverse range of sample types
- simplicity of sample preparation and non-destructive nature of measurement
From the analysis of crime-scene evidence, explosives and bullet residue, soil samples, paint chips, duct tape, cosmetics, drugs and drug precursors to the notorious 'unknown white powder', XRD and XRF provide the data essential in modern criminal investigations.
X-ray diffraction
XRD provides insight into the structure of solid materials and powders, producing a unique 'fingerprint' pattern for different sample types. The ability to rotate the X-ray tube focus from point source for microdiffraction to line source for bulk phase analysis is important for quality of data, speed of analysis and true flexibility of the system.
X-ray fluorescence
XRF can identify and determine the concentration of specific chemical elements in all types of material - solids, liquids and powders – down to sub-ppm levels.
PANalytical solutions
PANalytical's state-of-the-art XRD and XRF systems, complete with advanced software packages, are already widely used in many police departments, government forensics labs and university forensics departments around the world.
X'Pert PRO MPD: a versatile X-ray diffraction (XRD) system capable of accommodating most sample types, from a 17 inch alloy car wheel to the smallest amount of explosive residue. The groundbreaking X'Celerator detector provides ultra-fast data collection with superior resolution.
Axios: an innovative, high-end wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) system with sophisticated counting electronics, the fastest and most accurate goniometer and unmatched sensitivity. Axios is ideal for the analysis of elements present in soil, paint chips, cosmetics and drugs.
