Elements Of A Crime
New laser technology is being used to solve criminal investigations. Originally developed to study the quality of weapons-grade uranium, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is now also employed by forensic detectives to find evidence that ties suspects to crime scenes.
Authorities in Texas recently recruited dendrochronologists to examine wood used to dispose of the body of a murder victim. Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory sought to apply LIBS technology because of its ability to identity various chemical elements.
LIBS technology can also identify bones and make the distinction between human and animal species. Research is now underway to make LIBS equipment available to police and intelligence agencies.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Baltimore Sun (02/04/05) P. E1; Roylance, Frank D.
