ESR has the capability to analyse substances such as glass, paint, fire debris and fibres which can provide crucial evidence in a case.
Glass Fragments
Microscopic techniques are available for precise measurement of the refractive index of the smallest glass particles. Refractive index measurement has been found to be the most useful method of identifying glass particles with a possible source. ESR analysts can tell if very tiny glass fragments originated from flat window glass; a container; patterned glass or glass toughened by surface stress. The techniques applied to glass fragments can easily be extended to measurement of refractive index of almost any translucent or transparent microscopic particles.
Fibre Analysis and Comparisons
Identification and comparison of textile fibre traces. Techniques are applied to identify and source fibre contamination. Should fibre examination be required as evidence of contact with a particular textile, ESR scientists need to be consulted before samples are collected. Conclusions drawn can easily be invalidated by arguments related to possible contamination of the sample.
Microanalysis
A wide range of optical instrumental, chemical and biological techniques are available for identification of small materials and possible source comparisons including blood; concrete; hairs; glass; metal fragments; natural fibres; paint fragments; plaster; pollens; polymers; textile fibres.
Serial Number Restoration
Where it appears that incriminating serial numbers have been removed or altered, ESR has the technology to restore the original serial numbers on car chassis, motorcycle frames, engine blocks and in fact, most metal surfaces.