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Forensic Science

Trace evidence

Small amounts of chemicals, such as gunshot residue or explosives, can remain on a suspect’s hands or clothing. Bits of fiber, strands of hair, flecks of paint, or shards of glass are also often left at a crime scene or carried away from it. These are examples of trace evidence, and forensic scientists can use them to link items or suspects to a crime.

What we do

We develop methods for accurately detecting, measuring, and analyzing very small fragments and quantities of evidence, and we produce standard reference materials and data to help forensic laboratories validate the accuracy of their methods and measurements.

The Research

Projects & Programs

Metrology and Standards for Canine Olfactory Detection of Explosives

Completed

Effective and accepted by the public, trained dogs are the most frequently deployed detection systems for identification of explosives threats in mobile applications. In addition to being highly sensitive, dogs can rapidly discriminate the unique profile of an explosive in a presence of a large

Measurement and Sampling Standards

Ongoing

A foundational activity that crosscuts our research goals is the development of a variety of standards and test materials to support the effective operation of trace explosive and narcotic detection devices. Trace sampling issues are addressed through fundamental studies on the adhesion and

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