FEI Company has released two dedicated scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and a software package for the automated analysis of gunshot residues (GSRs).
Forensic scientists use GSR analysis to match residues from victims and suspects.
The GSR S50 and GSR F50 SEMs include the newly released Magnum GSR software and specially modified hardware to provide fully automated analysis with improvements in speed, accuracy and affordability, according to the company.
Paul Scagnetti, vice-president and general manager of FEI's industry division, said: 'These new systems are specifically designed to address the needs of forensic laboratories for fast, reliable analysis.
'GSR analysis can be a long and tedious process, yet the results are often used to make life-and-death decisions.
'The S50 and F50 completely automate the analysis procedure, reducing opportunity for operator error.
'The systems include dedicated validation routines for accurate results.
'In addition, optimal use of the SEMs' imaging capabilities and features, such as the beam current booster, give faster, more repeatable results,' he added.
GSR analysis uses high-resolution SEM imaging to locate residue particles and X-ray spectrometry to determine their elemental composition.
The GSR S50's ability to image uncoated samples in low-vacuum mode helps preserve sample integrity.
The GSR F50's field emission source delivers higher spatial resolution and puts more beam current into a smaller spot for faster, more precise X-ray analysis.
The Magnum GSR software, included in both systems, uses the SEMs' native imaging capabilities to locate particles, which is a much faster method than the conventional approach that uses the X-ray system to control the particle imaging and detection process.
A specially designed beam current booster (BCB) increases beam current during X-ray data acquisition to improve the speed and precision of the analysis.
To help optimise price/performance, both systems are fully compatible with the latest high-count-rate silicon drift X-ray detectors from Bruker Corporation and Edax.
They also include built-in validation procedures that use the latest standard layouts of the ENFSI proficiency tests.
