What are the prospects of 3D profiling systems applied to firearms and toolmark identification?

Bolton-King, R.S. ORCID: 0000-0002-9208-7857, Evans, J.P.O. ORCID: 0000-0001-9831-1461, Smith, C.L., Painter, J.D., Allsop, D.F. and Cranton, W.M. ORCID: 0000-0002-0142-7810, 2010. What are the prospects of 3D profiling systems applied to firearms and toolmark identification? AFTE Journal, 42 (1), pp. 23-33.

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Abstract

This paper details a comparative pilot study of 3D (three dimensional) imaging technologies for potential application in forensic firearms and toolmark identification; as such it reviews the most up-to-date profiling systems. In particular, the paper focuses on the application of 3D imaging and recording technology as applied to firearm identification, being a specialised field within the discipline of toolmark identification. Each technology under test employs a different technique or scientific principle to capture topographic data i.e. focus-variation microscopy, confocal microscopy, point laser profilometry and vertical scanning interferometry. To qualitatively establish the capabilities and limitations of each technology investigated, standard reference samples were used and a set of specific operational criteria devised for successful application in this field. The reference standard crucially included and centred on was the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) ‘standard bullet’. This was to ensure that evaluation represented the practical examination of ballistic samples i.e. fired cartridge cases and bullets. It is concluded that focus-variation microscopy has potentially the most promising approach for a forensic laboratory instrument, in terms of functionality and 3D imaging performance, and is worthy of further investigation.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	AFTE Journal
Creators:	Bolton-King, R.S., Evans, J.P.O., Smith, C.L., Painter, J.D., Allsop, D.F. and Cranton, W.M.
Publisher:	Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
Date:	2010
Volume:	42
Number:	1
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	EPrints Services
Date Added:	09 Oct 2015 10:28
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2023 10:25
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13334

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