Comparing the Color of Forensic Traces

Abstract

Microspectrometry in the visible range is routinely applied in comparative examination of criminalistic traces such as paint chips, single fibers, and inks on questioned documents. It makes it possible to analyze a very small amount of sample and provides objective information about its color as well as helping to distinguish samples of similar colors. Measurements of Vis spectra are performed both in transmittance and reflectance mode, depending on the kind of traces. Application of the CIELab color system enables us to define color precisely and make use of color databases.

Keywords:

• Color comparison
• Forensic traces
• Vis spectroscopy