Craic Technologies has joined with microscopy imaging software company Laboratory Imaging to introduce the RIQ solution for the analysis of glass-trace evidence.
RIQ, which stands for Refractive Index Quantification, combines image-analysis software, optical design and electronics to enable criminalists in modern forensic laboratories to measure the refractive index of multiple glass fragments simultaneously, quickly and accurately.
When combined with Craic Technologies' microscope spectrophotometers and microcolorimeters, the transmission and fluorescence spectral characteristics of glass evidence can also be determined quickly, accurately and all with the same instrument.
RIQ is an automated system that uses the thermal immersion method, as defined by the standard ASTM E1967-98, to measure the refractive index of microscopic glass fragments.
Statistical analysis methods can also be applied, but the instrument is also designed to be user friendly with a short learning curve.
RIQ is offered as a standalone package, as an add-on package to Craic Technologies' microspectrophotometers or as an upgrade package for older units already in the field.
A standalone package consists of a phase-contrast microscope, a high-resolution digital camera, the optical interface, a thermal stage, the controlling electronics and the RIQ software.
The add-on package can be integrated with many Craic Technologies microspectrophotometers models, both past and present, to allow them to measure the colour, absorbance microspectra, fluorescence microspectra and the refractive index of the smallest of glass fragments.
