Forensic Science and Technology Commons^™

Collecting Quality Infrared Spectra From Microscopic Samples Of Suspicious Powders In A Sealed Cell, Brooke Weinger Kammrath, Pauline E. Leary, John A. Reffner

Forensic Science Publications

The infrared (IR) microspectroscopical analysis of samples within a sealed-cell containing barium fluoride is a critical need when identifying toxic agents or suspicious powders of unidentified composition. The dispersive nature of barium fluoride is well understood and experimental conditions can be easily adjusted during reflection–absorption measurements to account for differences in focus between the visible and IR regions of the spectrum. In most instances, the ability to collect a viable spectrum is possible when using the sealed cell regardless of whether visible or IR focus is optimized. However, when IR focus is optimized, it is possible to collect useful data …