The Use of Near-Infrared Photography to Image Fired Bullets and Cartridge Cases

An imaging technique that is capable of reducing glare, reflection, and shadows can greatly assist the process of toolmarks comparison. In this work, a camera with near‐infrared (near‐IR) photographic capabilities was fitted with an IR filter, mounted to a stereomicroscope, and used to capture image...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic sciences 2013-09, Vol.58 (5), p.1330-1335
Main Authors: Stein, Darrell, Yu, Jorn Chi Chung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ammunition
bullet
Bullets
Cameras
cartridge case
Cartridges
Firearms
Fluorescence
Forensic ballistics
forensic science
Forensic sciences
Glare
Imaging techniques
Infrared cameras
Infrared imagery
Infrared imaging
Infrared photography
Light emitting diodes
Light sources
Photography
Projectiles
Small arms
White light
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Summary:An imaging technique that is capable of reducing glare, reflection, and shadows can greatly assist the process of toolmarks comparison. In this work, a camera with near‐infrared (near‐IR) photographic capabilities was fitted with an IR filter, mounted to a stereomicroscope, and used to capture images of toolmarks on fired bullets and cartridge cases. Fluorescent, white light‐emitting diode (LED), and halogen light sources were compared for use with the camera. Test‐fired bullets and cartridge cases from different makes and models of firearms were photographed under either near‐IR or visible light. With visual comparisons, near‐IR images and visible light images were comparable. The use of near‐IR photography did not reveal more details and could not effectively eliminate reflections and glare associated with visible light photography. Near‐IR photography showed little advantages in manual examination of fired evidence when it was compared with visible light (regular) photography.
ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.12256