Forensic Applications

• Crime Laboratory
• Drug Analysis

Because XRF is a non-destructive method and can identify a vast number of elements simultaneously, it is an excellent tool for fingerprinting all kinds of materials analyzed in forensic analysis. Because many samples are small, the µXRF instruments are a popular choice in the forensic laboratory, while other EDXRF instruments may be used in some cases when cost is an issue.

Crime Laboratory
Many materials can be identified and matched by analyzing their elemental fingerprint. Here are a few examples of material
a) Paint
b) Glass
c) Ceramics
d) Metal
e) Soil
f) Plastic
g) Fabrics
h) Toxic Metals back to top

Drug Analysis
XRF instrument are used to identify property and apparatus used in drug manufacturing particularly methamphetamines. Methamphetamine production usually leaves traces of phosphorus and iodine. back to top