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A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM FOR

FORENSIC TRACE EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
GLASS RI MEASUREMENT
FLUORESCENT IMAGING
IMAGE PROCESSING
MICRO-SPECTROSCOPY
LIGHT POLARISATION
For the examination of forensic trace evidence
including: glass, paint chips, fibres, inks, drugs,
gun shot residues, accelerants and explosives.

foster + freeman
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A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

a new concept from Foster + Freeman...

a system that provides a range of analytical facilities on a single microscope

Built around the Leica DM2700M laboratory microscope with integral LED illumination, the ffTA is a unique modular system that allows
the user to add functions to meet specific laboratory requirements. Using an optical multiplexer the operator simply switches the image
from one module to another.

ffTA modules are available for the following applications:

GLASS RI MEASUREMENT Analysis and grouping of glass fragments

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY For the study of materials including paint chips, fibres, inks, and drugs
FLUORESCENT IMAGING Identification of biological samples, chemicals, and illegal substances
IMAGE PROCESSING Enhancement and comparison of images captured using a 5MP digital camera
MICRO-SPECTROSCOPY Non-destructive analysis of organic compounds including paint and fibres
LIGHT POLARISATION For the examination and identification of natural and synthetic fibres

The unique modular configuration of the ffTA enables new modules to be seemlessly integrated with the users existing system at any
time.

To configure a ffTA system that meets your laboratory’s unique application requirements please contact your local
Foster + Freeman sales representative or send an email to sales@fosterfreeman.com
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ff TA Raman Spectroscopy
for the comparison and identification of materials
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ffTA
Raman Spectrometer
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

Match Spectrum: Recrystallised RDX

Percentage Match: 93.5%

Search Spectrum: Unknown explosive material

Raman Shift (cmo1)

Match Spectrum: Methamphetamine

Percentage Match: 93.7%

Search Spectrum: Suspect Methamphetamine

Raman Shift (cmo1)

Required Components Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool that is widely used in forensic science for
the study of a variety of organic and inorganic materials including paint chips, fibres, inks,
ffTA Essentials controlled substances, precursors, pesticides as well as residues from explosives,
Leica DM2700M microscope flammables and accelerants.
High specification PC
HP Deskjet printer Through the analysis of Raman spectra, specific to molecular structure, this powerful module is
Foram X1 or X3 Raman module able to provide valuable "fingerprints" for comparing, differentiating and identifying materials.
Either one or three laser wavelengths: By installing the wide range of databases that Foster + Freeman offer, ‘unknowns’ can be
532nm, 638nm and 785nm lasers identified, as many substances produce unique Raman signatures.
Spectrometer range, as close as 200 cm-1 to
the excitation laser wavelength, and up to Equipped with a choice of one or three laser wavelengths 785nm (invisible), 638nm and 532nm,
4200 cm-1 the Foram X3 module is a uniquely versatile device. High levels of sensitivity can be achieved
Leica DM2700M objectives with the 532nm laser, while the 785nm, infrared laser is better able to suppress fluorescence.
x5, x10, x20, x40, x50 A balance between power and sensitivity can be achieved through the use of the 638nm laser.

Incident illumination package Raman Spectroscopy features include:

5MP digital camera • Non-contact, non-destructive analysis of trace materials and inks
400-700nm spectral response • Analysis of materials in solid or liquid form
NIST correction standards • Rapid examination with minimal sample preparation required
for 758nm and 532nm lasers
Raman databases available include:
Optional XY stage
for the examination of questioned documents Materials of Forensic Interest Spectra; Hazardous Chemicals Spectra; Pharmaceuticals,
Drugs & Antibiotics; Minerals and Inorganic Materials etc.
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATION Contact sales@fosterfreeman.com for a list of all available databases
AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM
CLASS 3B LASER PRODUCT
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ff TA Glass RI Measurement
for the forensic discrimination of glass
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ffTA
Glass RI Measurement
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

Above: Calibrated measurement, Below: Multiple edge selection

The ffTA GRIM system determines the refractive indices of glass using the oil immersion
Required Components /temperature variation technique.

ffTA Essentials ffTA GRIM features include:

Leica DM2700M microscope • Multiple edge measurement technology • Calibration
High specification PC • Enhanced casework documentation • High level of temperature stability
HP Deskjet printer
The oil immersion/temperature variation technique is a widely accepted method of determining
GRIM 3 glass RI measurement module glass RI. By varying temperature to alter the refractive index of a calibrated oil, the RI of an
Monochrome firewire video camera immersed fragment of glass can be determined at the point of null refraction, the point at which the
GRIM 3 software package refractive indices of glass and immersion oil match. Using ffTA, repeat measurements produce
results with a standard deviation of, typically, 0.00002RI over a 5 hour period and 0.00003RI over a
Phase ring x10 objective and 5 day period.
focusing telescope Glass Fragment Analyser
The ‘Frag Analyser’ is a software module that provides an interpretation tool to assist forensic
Interference filters experts in evaluating the results of Glass Refractive Index Measurements.
488, 589, 656nm
The software includes two grouping algorithms and two match test options providing the glass
expert with the flexibility to select the most appropriate approach for their laboratory's quality
Mettler FP82HT hotstage
Inclludes hotstage fixing bracket requirements.

Features include:
Reference oils and glasses • Interactive graphical display of results
Set of 3 purified silicon oils and 19 glass • Agglomerative (ELM2) and divisive (SKM2) algorithms
standards to cover the refractive range. • Reports providing details of all RI values and calculations undertaken
The software, designed to work with data from the ffTA GRIM system, can also import results
directly for GRIM 2 and GRIM3 data files whilst also providing support for alternative data sources.
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Micro-Spectroscopy
analysis of organic compounds including paint and fibres
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ffTA
Micro-Spectroscopy
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

Spectral resonse of a suspect fibre (above), cluster analysis (below)

Required Components Micro-spectrometry is a powerful analytical tool that is widely used in forensic science for the
study and comparison of trace materials including paint chips, fibres and inks.
ffTA Essentials
Leica DM2700M microscope Spectra in the visible region provide the user with objective measurements of colour and through
High specification PC the examination of ultra-violet and infra-red spectra, users are able to make comparisons
HP Deskjet printer between two materials that may be indistinguishable to the naked eye.
240-1000nm spectrometer module An integrated statistical analysis package offers the user further tools for discrimination.
or
240-830nm spectrometer module The micro-spectrometer is available with three wavelength ranges:
or
400-1000nm spectrometer module • 240 – 1000nm; from UV through to IR
Leica DM2700M objectives • 240 – 830nm: from UV to near IR
x5, x10, x20, x40, x50 • 400 – 1000nm: Examination in visible and IR

Incident illumination package Features include:

• Fast, non-contact, non-destructive analysis
5MP digital camera • Transmittance and Reflectance micro-spectrometry
400-700nm spectral response
• Optional fluorescence spectroscopy with the Fluorescence Imaging module
Optical multiplexer
1x input, 3x selectable outputs

NIST traceable filters

NIST wavelength calibration standard

Labspere colour measurement
calibration standard
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ff TA Image Processing
Enhancement and comparison of high resolution images
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ffTA
Image Processing
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

Comparison of suspect fibre (above) and paint chip under analysis (below)

Required Components A comprehensive module for processing images from the scientific grade 5 million pixel CCD
colour camera mounted on the ffTA optical multiplexer.
ffTA Essentials
Leica DM2700M microscope Functions available in the image processing software suite include:
High specification PC
HP Deskjet printer Image Enhancement
• Functions include: Contrast stretch, HSL, RGB, Filters, Equalization, FFT,
Leica DM2700M objectives Gamma Correction, and Sharpen.
x5, x10, x20, x40, X50
Image Analysis
Incident illumination package • Measurement facilities for distance, angle and area, calibrated grids, user definable grids.
Measurements can be added to image.
5MP digital camera
Image Annotation
400-700nm spectral response
• Editable image annotation facilities (text and shapes including arrows, lines, boxes and
circles)

Image Comparison & Transformations

• Side-by-side comparison of live and stored images on a vertical or horizontal split screen,
user adjustable split position
• Superimposition and subtraction of live and stored image (option of red/green rendered
images for extra clarity)
• Live and stored images can be rotated through 90o
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ff TA Fluorescence Imaging
visual comparison of evidence across multiple wavebands

Extracting suspect fibre for examination

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ffTA
Fluorescence Imaging
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

Absorbance - Visible Absorbance - Full range Transmission - Full range

Fluorescence examination is a widely used technique in forensic science for the identification
Required Components and comparison of trace materials including paint chips, fibres and biological materials.

ffTA Essentials Equipped with four excitation bandwidths: UV, violet, blue and green, the Fluorescence Imaging
Leica DM2700M microscope Module offers versatility.
High specification PC
HP Deskjet Printer Features include:
• High quality imaging through a 5MP colour camera
Leica DM2700M objectives • Optional fluorescence spectroscopy when used with Microspectrometer module
x5, x10, x20, x40, x50
Fluorescent imaging enables visual comparion of samples in different wavebands and adds
5MP digital camera another technique to the forensic trace analyst.
400-700nm spectral response

Metal halide lamp

External fluorescent light source Forensic Applications
or • Identification of illegal substances
Mercury vapour lamp
External fluorescent light source
• Examination of accelerants (petrol, diesel, kerosene etc.)
• Imaging of biological samples
Fluorescence calibration standard
Additional Applications
• Anatomical pathology: Diagnosis through live cell imaging
• Agricultural: Inspection of agricultural material
• Industrial: Inspection of circuit lead bonds
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ff TA Light Polarisation
examination and identification of natural and synthetic fibres
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ffTA
Light Polarisation
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

Interference colour chart

Required Components Primarily used for the examination of the cross polar birefringence of fibres, the ffTA Polarised
Light Module can also be used for the analysis of chemical crystals (e.g. caffeine) rocks and
minerals.
ffTA Essentials
Leica DM2700M microscope
Evidence identified by its birefringence.
High specification PC
Birefringence is the decomposition of a single ray of light into two separate rays as it passes
HP Deskjet printer
through birefingent materials. By taking a measurement of the samples diameter and the colour
retardation of the decomposed light, unknown materials can be identified against the
5MP digital camera interefrence colour chart (pictured inset).
400-700nm spectral response
The ffTA Light Polarisation Module consists of a linear polariser mounted on the condenser lens,
Polarised light module a second polariser (the analyser) placed in the optical pathway before the observation tubes and
Rotary polarisation stage camera, and a retardation plate to enhance optical path differences between the
XY object guide cross-polarisers. Specimens are placed on a 360-degree circular rotating specimen stage
Hi Plan x63 polarisation objective equipped with two vernier scales so that rotation angle can be measured to an accuracy of 0.1
degree.

Light Polarisation module applications include:

• Detect the presence of fibres, crystals, and soil etc.
• Determination of mineral content of rock chips and soil
• Identification of natural and sythentic fibres
• Toxicology and drug analysis
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ffTA
Modules & Components
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

6 5

12
10

9
2 3

ffTA system modules and components

1. Raman spectrometer module 7. DM2700M Microscope
2. GRIM 3 module 8. Optical multiplexer
3. Micro-spectrometer module 9. DM2700M objectives
4. Fluorescent Imaging light source 10. Incident illumination package
5. 5MP CCD camera 11. GRIM 3 hotstage
6. GRIM 3 FireWire video camera 12. PC and flat screen monitor

7 11 4
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ffTA
Modules & Components
A NEW CONCEPT IN TRACE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION...

FFTA ESSENTIALS Raman Spectrometer UV-VIS-IR Spectrometers

Leica DM2700M Microscope Lasers 240-830nm
532nm (nominal) diode pumped solid state laser, Range 240 – 830 nm, pixel resolution ~ 0.6 nm,
Leica DM2700M IL/TL stand
Maximum output 8mW FWHM resolution better than 1.98 nm
Stable high-power LED illumination
5 way nose-piece 638nm (nominal) stabilised laser, UV microscope objective
2-step focusing drive Maximum output 9mW Light source to cover range 240-1000nm
Incident light axis with high quality DF illumination 785nm (nominal) stabilised laser, UV calibration standards
Fixed ergonimic stage with ceramic plate Maximum output 80mW Spectrometer data processing software
XY stage control standard
Phototube switchable output trinocular Spectrometer 240-1000nm
As close as 200 cm-1 to the excitation laser Range 240 – 1000 nm, pixel resolution 0.77,
PC (minimum specification) wavelength, and up to 3200 cm-1 (Foram X1) and FWHM resolution better than 2.54 nm
Intel Quad or i5 equivalent 4200 cm-1 (Foram X3) 1024 pixel, low etalation, Peltier cooled back-
4GB RAM FWHM resolution, better than 5 cm-1 at 785nm thinned CCD detector
500GB SATA HDD Low elation CCD detector with Peltier cooling UV microscope objective
DVD-RW Drive Peak Quantum efficiency of greater than 90% Light source to cover range 240-1000nm
FireWire 800 port Line binning and area read out of the detector UV calibration standards
Windows operating system Spectrometer data processing software
Software
Monitor
Switch between laser wavelengths 400-1000nm
24” flat panel (LCD) colour TFT monitor Chemometric comparison and data processing
routines Range 400-1000nm with a sub-5nm resolution and
Printer
Automated background/fluorescence algorithms a sampling area from 1.5-12microns diameter
HP Deskjet 8000 printer Label and annotate spectra Light source to cover 400 - 1000nm
Customised spectral library creation tool Filter magazine for transmitted light
Commercial Raman spectra libraries available Colour correction filters 35 & 40mm diameter
DM2700M OBJECTIVES Calibration
x5, x10, x20, x25, x40, x50, x52, x63 Inbuilt ASTM automatic calibration standard
Optional NIST calibration standards
Glass RI Measurement Module
For use with ffTA 5MP camera or Micro-spectrometer
Safety GRIM 3 Processor unit
Class 3B laser instrument USB and FireWire connections for hotstage control.
OPTICAL MULTIPLEXER Keyswitch and remote interlock for 785nm laser Incorporating improved accuracy and temperature
stability.
fixes to DM2700M phototube
Light Polarisation kit FireWire Video Camera
1x input from microscope
3x selectable outputs fixes to DM2700M microscope AVT Stingray monochrome
Hi Plan x63 Polarisation objective
Mounted linear polariser and anlayser Software
Waveplate & quarter waveplate
CCD CAMERA Polarisation rotary stage with XY object guide GRIM3 and FragAnalyser software supplied on
CD-ROM, Windows compatible
High resolution 5MP CCD camera
Phase ring & Focusing Telescope
400-700nm spectral response Calibration Standards
On-chip image integration
Objective - Hi Plane 10x
Approximate magnification range of x310-2500 at full
Colour measurement Focusing telescope for PH and ICT
resolution (using x5 - x40 objectives)
Fields of view: 1.5mm x 1.2mm to 0.21mm x 0.15mm, Interference filters
Labsphere SRS-99-010 Spectralon® 99% Diffuse
using x5 - x40 objectives.
Reflectance White Reference Calibration Standard
488nm, 589nm and 656nm interference filters
Fluorescence (50mm diameter)

Calibration standard for DM2700M microscope Hotstage

INCIDENT ILLUMINATION
NIST Mettler FP82HT hotstage
Leica incident illumination package
Illuminator for IL axis, 4-fold IND LED NIST traceable ND, Holmium & Didymium filters Reference Oils & Glasses
Reflector DF fixed for use with Microspectrometer.
Lamp housing, LH113 NIST correction standard for 785nm & 532nm Set of 19 reference glasses
Raman spectrometer lasers. Set of 3 purified silicon reference oils

Head Office & UK Sales Office: +44(0)1386 768050

Foster + Freeman Ltd +44(0)1386 765351
Vale Park, Evesham,
Worcestershire, WR11 1TD UK sales@fosterfreeman.com fosterfreeman.com