In the forensic science field there are various machines used to examine physical evidence. One of those instruments is the scanning electron microscope (SEM). This instrument can be used in examining physical evidence found at crime scenes. There have been a number of scientists that have developed and improved the SEM. SEM is very significant in forensics because it can narrow down size, shape, and chemical composition. The scanning electron microscope is always growing and becoming a great impact on forensic science.
We will start of learning where the scanning electron microscope (SEM) began. Knoll built the first scanning microscope in 1935; he was not using demagnifying lenses. Von Ardenne expressed the theoretical philosophy underlying the scanning electron microscope. Developing the first scanning electron microscope in 1942 was Zworykin. This microscope was more improved due to using an electron multiplier tube as a preamplifier off the secondary electrons emission current. The resolution on the SEM was 50 nm (Physics Emory). Improving the SEM that Zworykin had developed, Oatley used nonlinear signal amplification. He was also the first to place in a stigmator in the SEM, which was used to correct lens cylindrical imperfections. In 1960, Everhart and Thornley improved the secondary electron detection. Three years following that Pease and Nixon, combined all the improvements in one microscope. The first commercial scanning electron microscope was developed in 1965 by the Cambridge Scientific Instruments Mark I (Physics Emory).
The scanning electron microscope has 10 parts to it which are the secondary detector, x-ray detector, backscatter detector, sample chamber, objective lens, electron beam, condenser lens, anode, ...
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...nated is very significant in criminal cases. We have reviewed the history and parts of the SEM, how it works, how it can aid in solving cases, and an actual case it was used to find the murderer. Scanning electron microscope is very significant and it will continue to be in the future.
Works Cited
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Khursheed, A. (2011). Scanning Electron Microscope Optics and Spectrometers. Danvers: World Scientific Publisher.
Physics Emory. (n.d.). Retrieved from Physics Emory: http://www.physics.emory.edu/~weeks/lab/papers/bogner-micron07.pdf
Swapp, S. (n.d.). Geochemical Instrumentation and Analysis. Retrieved from Carleton: http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/geochemsheets/techniques/SEM.html
4. In the early 1670’s Anton van Leeuwenhook, a Dutch fabric-store owner, began to grind lenses as a hobby. He used handheld microscopes to examine materials such as pond water and blood.
Therefore, the criminal justice system relies on other nonscientific means that are not accepted or clear. Many of forensic methods have implemented in research when looking for evidence, but the methods that are not scientific and have little or anything to do with science. The result of false evidence by other means leads to false testimony by a forensic analyst. Another issue with forensic errors is that it is a challenge to find a defense expert (Giannelli, 2011). Defense experts are required to help the defense attorneys defend and breakdown all of the doubts in the prosecutors scientific findings in criminal cases. Scientific information is integral in a criminal prosecution, and a defense attorney needs to have an expert to assist he/she in discrediting the prosecution (Giannelli,
Forensic science has paved the way to a new world of technological advancements in solving crime, through DNA analysis, new technology such as M-Vac, improving systems such as CODIS and other investigative methods. As forensic science technology advances, the chance of an individual being able to commit a crime and walk away free without leaving any trace of evidence will lessen. While forensic science has its limitations, it can be the only way to provide an accurate account of what actually occurred at some crime scenes.
In conclusion, there are many other things in the world that help contribute to advancing technology that no one really puts any thought into. Yet, it affects so many people in the world; one would think that we would pay more attention to details like this. Fortunately we have forensic sicents all over the United States who devote their careers and lives to help us with numerous things. Such as finding lost kids, solve cold cases, and even catching serial killers and rapist; just to name a few.
Forensic Science, recognized as Forensics, is the solicitation of science to law to understand evidences for crime investigation. Forensic scientists are investigators that collect evidences at the crime scene and analyse it uses technology to reveal scientific evidence in a range of fields. Physical evidence are included things that can be seen, whether with the naked eye or through the use of magnification or other analytical tools. Some of this evidence is categorized as impression evidence2.In this report I’ll determine the areas of forensic science that are relevant to particular investigation and setting out in what method the forensic science procedures I have recognized that would be useful for the particular crime scene.
The transitional growth in the forensic science sector has not been without challenges. Though the world has experienced increased capabilities and scientific knowledge, which has led to faster investigations and results, many forensic experts have argued that forensic laboratory testing, in the light of 21st century technological advancements, is yet to meet the expected rate in quick available testing and analysis (Mennell & Shaw, 2006). This is with respect to the growing rate of crime and the high demand of quick crime scene testing and analysis. In the science of crime scene, analysis and interpretation of evidence is majorly dependent on forensic science, highlighting the change in the role of forensic sciences (Tjin-A-Tsoi, 2013). In the business of forensic science, time is beginning to play important role in the evidence testing and analysis which is becoming crucial in reducing ...
How Cryonics Works. In Science How Stuff Works. Retrieved December 29, 2013, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/cryonics2.htm Best, B. n.d. - n.d. - n.d. Cryonics Frequently Asked Questions. By Ben Best.
Forensic science has now been recognized as an important part of the law enforcement team to help solve crimes and cold cases. The advances in technology are being used each day and we must continue to strive to develop better advances in this field. The recent discovery of using DNA in criminal cases has helped not only positively identify the suspect, but it has helped exonerate hundreds of innocent individuals. “With new advances in police technology and computer science, crime scene investigation and forensic science will only become more precise as we head into the future.” (Roufa, 2017) Forensic science and evidence helps law enforcement officials solve crimes through the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence. By having a mobile crime laboratory, the scene gets processed quicker and more efficiently. Forensic science will only grow in the future to be a benefit for the criminal justice
The science of statistics refers to two distinct areas of knowledge. One area refers to the analysis of uncertainty and the other area refers to the listing of events, counts of entities for various economic, social, and scientific purposes. It is for these reasons that statistics can be of great value within the area of forensic science. Evidence that is used within a legal setting, contains doubt, which means that this evidence requires some statistical and problematic reasoning which plays an imperative role in the criminal investigation, prosecution and trial. Statistical and problematic reasoning also plays a major part in relation to forensic scientific evidence, such as DNA, which is produced by an expert witness.
The invention of the camera and its many makeovers has changed the art of photography. The idea for photography came around in 1814 when Joseph Niépce wanted an image of his son before he left for war. He succeeded in making the first camera in 1827, but the camera needed at least eight hours to produce one picture. Parisian Louis Daguerre invented the next kind of camera in 1839, who worked with Niépce for four years. His camera only took fifteen to thirty minutes to produce a picture.
The specimen's views were different every time because each of the microscopes had a different view of each object. Dissecting Microscope looks blurred looking and pale color. Compound Light Microscope looks blurry looking and grows differently when you change the zoom or size. Transmission Electron Microscope looks grayish (black and white) and shows a lot of the structure of the specimen. Scanning Electron Microscope looks like a 3-D black and white shaped specimen. A leaf under a dissecting microscope would be described as this if you zoom in and out, you would see blurry, clear, then blurry again and it was bright then pale colors. Blood under a compound light microscope would be described as this if you look at it, it would be a blur and sometimes clear shape depends on the zoom in or out. Algae under a transmission electron microscope would be described as this if you look at it, it would be grayish different look by the shape and detailed with the structure of the thing. A leaf under a scanning electron microscope would be described as this if you zoom in and out, you would see blurry 3-D black and white with lots of detail of the
methods when examining crimes scenes or looking at evidences in labs then many cases would be lost in
“The word ‘forensics’ means “connected with the courtroom”; so forensic science is, therefore, concerned with gathering hard evidence that can be presented in a trial” (Innes 9). Forensic science is a science that is applied specifically to legal matters, whether criminal or civil. “Few areas in the realm of science are as widespread and important as forensic science” (Hunter 12). Forensics is the one science that is most commonly used in everyday life. It is also a branch of science that incorporates other branches of science such as biology, chemistry, and etc. Since it is used almost every day “No one can dispute the importance of the contributions to society made by forensic science; the ability to solve crime is undeniably important” (Hunter 13). Forensic science has given criminal investigation a new edge. “Advances in science have opened the door for more effective evidence discovery, howev...
...s an essential part to solving crimes. We are fortunate to live in an exciting day and age where education, and technology, and society is rapidly evolving and changing. Thanks to that, the future for forensics is looking up and although, as mentioned earlier the media exaggerates forensics, it is striking interest in a lot more people. The public is hungry for information about our legal system, particularly in forensics. As long as The National Institute of Justice, and other organizations continue to fund and support forensic science, we will be able to improve our justice system significantly. We also wouldn’t be where we are today with forensics if it wasn’t for people like Locard, who devoted their time and energy into this field of work. As much as we may overlook it, forensic science is important in our society and it can help us understand more about crime.
The science of forensics is now recognized as a critical ingredient in law enforcement and the solution of crimes. Protecting a crime scene from contamination and gathering and interpreting evidence accurately have become some of the most critical ingredients in crime solving. Advances in technology are being applied to the finite and exacting field of forensic science, a field in which technical competency is achieved only by synthesis of a number of factors including training, experience, supervision, continuing education, proficiency and an application of scientific methods and protocols against a background of stringent professional ethics. (Division of State Police)