In this thesis, we propose the use of several optical techniques for the detection, identification, and age estimation of blood stains. We explore the visible, near infrared, and mid infrared wavelength range for this purpose

Edelman, G.J.

International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion online publications

UvA-DARE is a service provided by the library of the University of Amsterdam (https://dare.uva.nl)UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository)Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime sceneEdelman, G.J.Publication date2014Link to publicationCitation for published version (APA):Edelman, G. J. (2014). Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime scene. [Thesis, fullyinternal, Universiteit van Amsterdam].General rightsIt is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s)and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an opencontent license (like Creative Commons).Disclaimer/Complaints regulationsIf you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, pleaselet the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the materialinaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: https://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letterto: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Youwill be contacted as soon as possible.Download date:11 Feb 2023- 189 - 11 - SUMMARY  Blood stains are an important source of information in criminal investigations, as blood stain patterns can inform investigators about the activities causing the stains, and subsequent DNA-analysis can identify or exclude possible suspects. In this thesis, we demonstrated several spectroscopic techniques for the detection, identification and age estimation of blood stains, as outlined in Chapter 1. The introduction emphasizes the need for innovative techniques which aid crime scene investigation. Because existing spectroscopic techniques are rapid, portable, and non-destructive, the described techniques are highly suitable for crime scene analysis.  An interesting technique for the non-destructive analysis of forensic traces is hyperspectral imaging. In Chapter 2, we review the application of hyperspectral imaging for the visualization and chemical analysis of forensic traces and describe its advantages and main challenges. Because hyperspectral imaging integrates conventional imaging and spectroscopy, both spatial and spectral information are obtained simultaneously, enabling investigators to analyze the chemical composition of traces and visualize their spatial distribution at the same time.  Both probe based spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging are introduced as an indicative test for the identification of blood stains in Chapter 3. We propose a light-transport model to indicate the presence of the haemoglobin oxidation products oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2), methaemoglobin (MetHb), and hemichrome (HC) from reflectance spectra of blood stains, enabling investigators to distinguish blood from other samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique are investigated, and the practical applicability is demonstrated in forensic casework.   Apart from the presence of haemoglobin oxidation products, the proposed light-transport model can be used to calculate the relative concentrations of HbO2, MetHb and HC, which in turn can be used to estimate the age of a blood stain. In Chapter 4 we successfully estimate the age of different blood stain patterns on white cotton backgrounds at a simulated crime scene using hyperspectral imaging. Chapter 5 describes an adapted light-- 190 - transport model to correct for light absorptions of coloured backgrounds. Additionally, we describe a statistical approach to calculate an age interval for a questioned blood stain. The applicability of the new technique for blood stain age estimation in forensic casework and its possible value for criminal investigations is demonstrated in a case example. In the described homicide investigation, the results led to a more complete reconstruction of the timeline of events.  Chapter 6 covers the detection of latent blood stains on black backgrounds using visible hyperspectral imaging. At a crime scene, some blood stains may be invisible to the naked eye. Only after a stain is detected, it can be analysed further to be used as evidence in court, motivating the need for technology highlighting the contrast between a stain and its background. This chapter shows that blood stains can be distinguished from black fabrics based on the different absorption properties in the visible wavelength range.  In Chapter 7 we analyse blood stains on black and coloured backgrounds using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. On these backgrounds, we successfully identify blood stains using correlation analysis and estimated their age using partial least squares regression analysis. Compared to visible spectroscopy, NIR spectroscopy provides more information about the chemical structure of samples, which is interesting for many forensic applications.  A final wavelength range explored in this thesis is the mid infrared or thermal wavelength range. All objects radiate infrared energy, invisible to the human eye, which can be converted into visible images by mid infrared cameras, thereby visualizing differences in temperature and/or emissivity of objects. Chapter 8 provides an overview of the principles and instrumentation involved in mid infrared imaging. Difficulties concerning image interpretation are addressed. Reported forensic applications are reviewed and supported by practical illustrations, among which the detection of latent blood stains.  To conclude, all topics described above are discussed from a forensic practical point of view in Chapter 9. Emphasis is laid on further steps needed for the actual implementation of the described innovative techniques in standard forensic practice.  

English

Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime scene

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UvA-DARE is a service provided by the library of the University of Amsterdam (http://dare.uva.nl)
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository)
Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime scene
Edelman, G.J.
Link to publication
Citation for published version (APA):
Edelman, G. J. (2014). Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime scene.
General rights
It is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s),
other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons).
Disclaimer/Complaints regulations
If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating
your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask
the Library: https://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam,
The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible.
Download date: 04 Feb 2021
- 189 - 
11 - SUMMARY  
Blood stains are an important source of information in criminal investigations, 
as blood stain patterns can inform investigators about the activities causing the 
stains, and subsequent DNA-analysis can identify or exclude possible suspects. 
In this thesis, we demonstrated several spectroscopic techniques for the 
detection, identification and age estimation of blood stains, as outlined in 
Chapter 1. The introduction emphasizes the need for innovative techniques 
which aid crime scene investigation. Because existing spectroscopic techniques 
are rapid, portable, and non-destructive, the described techniques are highly 
suitable for crime scene analysis.  
An interesting technique for the non-destructive analysis of forensic 
traces is hyperspectral imaging. In Chapter 2, we review the application of 
hyperspectral imaging for the visualization and chemical analysis of forensic 
traces and describe its advantages and main challenges. Because hyperspectral 
imaging integrates conventional imaging and spectroscopy, both spatial and 
spectral information are obtained simultaneously, enabling investigators to 
analyze the chemical composition of traces and visualize their spatial 
distribution at the same time.  
Both probe based spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging are 
introduced as an indicative test for the identification of blood stains in 
Chapter 3. We propose a light-transport model to indicate the presence of the 
haemoglobin oxidation products oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2), methaemoglobin 
(MetHb), and hemichrome (HC) from reflectance spectra of blood stains, 
enabling investigators to distinguish blood from other samples. The sensitivity 
and specificity of the technique are investigated, and the practical applicability 
is demonstrated in forensic casework.   
Apart from the presence of haemoglobin oxidation products, the 
proposed light-transport model can be used to calculate the relative 
concentrations of HbO2, MetHb and HC, which in turn can be used to 
estimate the age of a blood stain. In Chapter 4 we successfully estimate the age 
of different blood stain patterns on white cotton backgrounds at a simulated 
crime scene using hyperspectral imaging. Chapter 5 describes an adapted light-
- 190 - 
transport model to correct for light absorptions of coloured backgrounds. 
Additionally, we describe a statistical approach to calculate an age interval for a 
questioned blood stain. The applicability of the new technique for blood stain 
age estimation in forensic casework and its possible value for criminal 
investigations is demonstrated in a case example. In the described homicide 
investigation, the results led to a more complete reconstruction of the timeline 
of events.  
Chapter 6 covers the detection of latent blood stains on black 
backgrounds using visible hyperspectral imaging. At a crime scene, some blood 
stains may be invisible to the naked eye. Only after a stain is detected, it can be 
analysed further to be used as evidence in court, motivating the need for 
technology highlighting the contrast between a stain and its background. This 
chapter shows that blood stains can be distinguished from black fabrics based 
on the different absorption properties in the visible wavelength range.  
In Chapter 7 we analyse blood stains on black and coloured 
backgrounds using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. On these backgrounds, 
we successfully identify blood stains using correlation analysis and estimated 
their age using partial least squares regression analysis. Compared to visible 
spectroscopy, NIR spectroscopy provides more information about the 
chemical structure of samples, which is interesting for many forensic 
applications.  
A final wavelength range explored in this thesis is the mid infrared or 
thermal wavelength range. All objects radiate infrared energy, invisible to the 
human eye, which can be converted into visible images by mid infrared 
cameras, thereby visualizing differences in temperature and/or emissivity of 
objects. Chapter 8 provides an overview of the principles and instrumentation 
involved in mid infrared imaging. Difficulties concerning image interpretation 
are addressed. Reported forensic applications are reviewed and supported by 
practical illustrations, among which the detection of latent blood stains.  
To conclude, all topics described above are discussed from a forensic 
practical point of view in Chapter 9. Emphasis is laid on further steps needed 
for the actual implementation of the described innovative techniques in 
standard forensic practice.  


NARCIS 

UvA-DARE is a service provided by the library of the University of Amsterdam (https://dare.uva.nl)UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository)Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime sceneEdelman, G.J.Publication date2014Link to publicationCitation for published version (APA):Edelman, G. J. (2014). Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime scene. [Thesis, fullyinternal, Universiteit van Amsterdam].General rightsIt is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s)and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an opencontent license (like Creative Commons).Disclaimer/Complaints regulationsIf you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, pleaselet the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the materialinaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: https://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letterto: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Youwill be contacted as soon as possible.Download date:31 Aug 2023- 189 - 11 - SUMMARY  Blood stains are an important source of information in criminal investigations, as blood stain patterns can inform investigators about the activities causing the stains, and subsequent DNA-analysis can identify or exclude possible suspects. In this thesis, we demonstrated several spectroscopic techniques for the detection, identification and age estimation of blood stains, as outlined in Chapter 1. The introduction emphasizes the need for innovative techniques which aid crime scene investigation. Because existing spectroscopic techniques are rapid, portable, and non-destructive, the described techniques are highly suitable for crime scene analysis.  An interesting technique for the non-destructive analysis of forensic traces is hyperspectral imaging. In Chapter 2, we review the application of hyperspectral imaging for the visualization and chemical analysis of forensic traces and describe its advantages and main challenges. Because hyperspectral imaging integrates conventional imaging and spectroscopy, both spatial and spectral information are obtained simultaneously, enabling investigators to analyze the chemical composition of traces and visualize their spatial distribution at the same time.  Both probe based spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging are introduced as an indicative test for the identification of blood stains in Chapter 3. We propose a light-transport model to indicate the presence of the haemoglobin oxidation products oxyhaemoglobin (HbO2), methaemoglobin (MetHb), and hemichrome (HC) from reflectance spectra of blood stains, enabling investigators to distinguish blood from other samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique are investigated, and the practical applicability is demonstrated in forensic casework.   Apart from the presence of haemoglobin oxidation products, the proposed light-transport model can be used to calculate the relative concentrations of HbO2, MetHb and HC, which in turn can be used to estimate the age of a blood stain. In Chapter 4 we successfully estimate the age of different blood stain patterns on white cotton backgrounds at a simulated crime scene using hyperspectral imaging. Chapter 5 describes an adapted light-- 190 - transport model to correct for light absorptions of coloured backgrounds. Additionally, we describe a statistical approach to calculate an age interval for a questioned blood stain. The applicability of the new technique for blood stain age estimation in forensic casework and its possible value for criminal investigations is demonstrated in a case example. In the described homicide investigation, the results led to a more complete reconstruction of the timeline of events.  Chapter 6 covers the detection of latent blood stains on black backgrounds using visible hyperspectral imaging. At a crime scene, some blood stains may be invisible to the naked eye. Only after a stain is detected, it can be analysed further to be used as evidence in court, motivating the need for technology highlighting the contrast between a stain and its background. This chapter shows that blood stains can be distinguished from black fabrics based on the different absorption properties in the visible wavelength range.  In Chapter 7 we analyse blood stains on black and coloured backgrounds using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. On these backgrounds, we successfully identify blood stains using correlation analysis and estimated their age using partial least squares regression analysis. Compared to visible spectroscopy, NIR spectroscopy provides more information about the chemical structure of samples, which is interesting for many forensic applications.  A final wavelength range explored in this thesis is the mid infrared or thermal wavelength range. All objects radiate infrared energy, invisible to the human eye, which can be converted into visible images by mid infrared cameras, thereby visualizing differences in temperature and/or emissivity of objects. Chapter 8 provides an overview of the principles and instrumentation involved in mid infrared imaging. Difficulties concerning image interpretation are addressed. Reported forensic applications are reviewed and supported by practical illustrations, among which the detection of latent blood stains.  To conclude, all topics described above are discussed from a forensic practical point of view in Chapter 9. Emphasis is laid on further steps needed for the actual implementation of the described innovative techniques in standard forensic practice.  

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Spectral analysis of blood stains at the crime scene

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International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion online publications

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