Chapter 8 (The Microscope)

What are the Microscopes most used in Forensic Analysis?

Compound microscope

Comparison microscope

Stereoscopic microscope

Polarizing microscope

Polarizing microscope

Compound microscope that is fitted with polarizing filters

• Flters and rotating stage =  Give microscope the ability to see characteristics only a polarizing microscope can do.

By using immersion oils for Polarizing Microscope:

Becke Line can be seen

(Refractive index can be determined to identify soils, minerals, glass and fibers)

Compound microscope

General type of microscope that uses an optical path to enlarge a specimen.

Usually from 100x to 600x.

Comparison microscope

Compare or view two items at the same time by an optical bridge.

Great for hair, fibers, casings and bullet comparison.

Stereoscopic microscope

Less magnification, but better depth of field

Great for looking at larger items (Plant characteristics, tablet imprints, insects, serial number imprints)

Good to screen for trace evidence.

Which Microscope is this?

Comparison Microscope

Which Microscope is this?

Compound Microscope

Which Microscope is this? (Main one we’re using)

Polarizing Microscope

Fine adjustment

Court adjustment

Which Microscope is this?

Stereoscope

Label

Label