Police and Security, Vol. 16 No. 3-4, 2007.
Professional paper
The analysis of GSR particles with the scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX)
Gordan Mršić
; Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Saša Žugaj
; Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Due to the constant development of science and global technological progress, the use of modern instruments in forensic science has become inevitable. The use of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is the most significant improvement in the field of forensic firearms examination, since the invention of the forensic comparative microscope. The analvsis of gunshot residue (GSR) particles with the Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray detector (SEM/EDX) is one of the most reliable methods. The gunshot residue particles analysis with SEM/EDX gives, at the same time, information about morphology and chemical composition of GSR particles. Such spherical shape and particular chemical composition (Lead/Antimony/Barium) are unique and without any doubt they originate from the process of discharging a firearm which uses primer cap ammunition. No other method can be used for certain determination that particular particles originate from a firearm discharge process. The presence of the GSR particles found on a particular subject is not irrefutable evidence that the particular subject has been the actual shooter. But on the other side it is a very strong indication that the particular subject has been involved in a process of discharging a firearm. Since lst of January 2007 owing to the Forensic Science Center "Ivan Vučetić", gunshot residue examination using the Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray detector (SEM/EDX) has been applied as a routine method in the Republic of Croatia.
Keywords
GSR particles; electron microscopy; firearms; ballistics; expertise
Hrčak ID:
79261
URI
Publication date:
15.2.2008.
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