Spectrochemical mapping using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy as a more objective approach to shooting distance determination

Infrared Imaging As A Complementary Aid in Estimating Muzzle-to-Target Shooting Distance: An Application on Dark, Patterned and Bloody Sample

“…8 In our previous work, restrictions of conventional color tests (MGT and SRT) were discussed in detail. 14 Plattner et al stated that FDR on substrates may be characterized by measuring inner and outer gunpowder soot area, emphasizing inner gunpowder soot area is much more visible than outer gunpowder soot area. 15 The authors also reported that the area of inner and outer gunpowder soot increases while density of soot decreases, with ascending muzzle-to-target shooting distance.…”

Novel LIBS method for micro‐spatial chemical analysis of inorganic gunshot residues

“…The portable LIBS instrument was found to have over 90% correct classification 11 . Additional studies have further demonstrated the potential of LIBS to simultaneously provide both multielemental and spatial information around bullet orifices on large surface areas using different ablation patterns 22–23,29–31 . The results of these studies demonstrate the promise and versatility of a technique such as LIBS to strengthen the value of GSR evidence 1–2,11,32 …”

“…Another frequently used color test is sodium rhodizonate, with a positive result for lead being a deep‐purple color. To a lesser extent, barium can be identified if a pink color is also present before the addition of the acid 2,21–23 . While the color tests are still used to determine shooting distance, they are ineffective for detection of GSR on an individual's hands due to the lack of specificity and prevention of further confirmatory testing due to their destructive nature 3,12,23 .…”

“…To a lesser extent, barium can be identified if a pink color is also present before the addition of the acid 2,21–23 . While the color tests are still used to determine shooting distance, they are ineffective for detection of GSR on an individual's hands due to the lack of specificity and prevention of further confirmatory testing due to their destructive nature 3,12,23 . Also, the presence of these compounds and elements is common in the environment, so a suspect or surface can test positive, yet never have handled or have been in the vicinity a firearm discharge event.…”

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Imaging for Material and Biomedical Applications: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

“…LIBS imaging is currently being evaluated for the same GSR analysis as well as for shooting distance determination . In studies from both Vander Pyl et al and Lopez et al, LIBS imaging was applied to targets after shooting from different distances. , By looking at the Ba and Pb elemental distributions, the authors demonstrated that the elemental pattern distribution depends on the shooting distance, and it may be possible to estimate the shooting distance from LIBS imaging. With the rapid development and affordability of LIBS imaging setups, new applications related to the forensic field are starting to appear.…”