Posted on 04/16/2025 8:38:23 PM PDT by aimhigh
Crime scene investigation may soon become significantly more accurate and efficient thanks to a new method for detecting gunshot residues. Researchers from the groups of Wim Noorduin (AMOLF / University of Amsterdam) and Arian van Asten (University of Amsterdam) developed the technique that converts lead particles found in gunshot residue into a light-emitting semiconductor. The method, published last month in 'Forensic Science International', is faster, more sensitive, and easier to use than current alternatives. Forensic experts at the Amsterdam police force are already testing it in actual crime scene investigations.
Gunshot Residue Clues
The innovative light-emitting lead analysis method offers exciting opportunities for crime scene investigations. When a weapon is fired, it leaves gunshot residue containing lead traces on the surrounding environment, including clothing and skin. Bente van Kralingen, a forensic expert at the Amsterdam Police, explains: "Obtaining an indication of gunshot residue at the crime scene is a major advantage, helping us answer key questions about shooting incidents. For instance, determining whether the damage found could have been caused by a bullet and determining the relative position of a person who might have been involved in a shooting incident. We test for lead traces on possible bullet holes and a suspect’s or a victim’s clothing or hands."
Currently, police send all samples to the lab for analysis. However, the methods used there are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require expensive equipment. "We’re excited about the tests we’re conducting, and hopefully this will allow us to use the light-emitting method soon in actual court cases as evidence," says Bente.
Semiconductor Technology The new analysis method builds on recent advances in perovskite research. Perovskites are a promising material used in applications ranging from solar cells to LEDs. A few years ago, the research group of Wim Noorduin developed an easy-to-use lead detection method based on perovskite technology. In this method a reagent converts lead containing surfaces into a perovskite semiconductor. Shining with a UV lamp will make the newly formed semiconductor emit a bright green glow visible to the naked eye—making even small traces of lead easily detectable.
In 2021, Wim Noorduin and Lukas Helmbrecht (formerly PhD student in the group) established a start-up company to develop this lead testing method into a practical lead detection kit: Lumetallix. Over the past years, many people worldwide have been investigating their surroundings using the Lumetallix test kit. They report positive tests in all sorts of objects, for example: dinner plates, beer glasses, but also in paint dust at construction sites.
Lukas Helmbrecht developed an altered version of the Lumetallix reagent for the forensic application: one that reacts especially well with lead atoms in gunshot residue and produces a long-lasting green glow.
At the shooting range To validate the effectiveness of this method, the researchers conducted a series of controlled experiments. PhD students Kendra Adelberg and Arno van der Weijden (AMOLF/UvA) visited a shooting range in Amsterdam. Kendra: "We used standard 9 mm full metal jacket bullets and fired them from two different pistols at cotton cloth targets placed at various distances. After applying the reagent, we visualized the gunshot residue patterns. The results revealed well-defined luminescent patterns that were clearly visible to the naked eye, even at extended distances," says Kendra.
During their experiments, Kendra and her colleagues made two other remarkable discoveries. Firstly, unlike other methods, the new light-emitting technique remains effective even after extensive washing of the shooter’s hands. This is important for forensic investigations, as suspects often try to tamper with or remove evidence of their involvement. Secondly, bystanders standing approximately two meters away from the shooter also tested positive for lead traces on their hands. "These findings provide valuable pieces of the puzzle when reconstructing a shooting incident. But, a positive test also needs to be carefully interpreted, it does not automatically mean that you fired a gun." says Kendra.
Y’all know this only works if you use a revolver.
I smell Theranos.
Or Grenades.
Y'all know this only works if you use a revolver.
First, the article (yes, I know, I'm not supposed to read the article before replying) talks about the residue left on the victim. ("We used standard 9 mm full metal jacket bullets and fired them from two different pistols at cotton cloth targets placed at various distances.")
Second, although no mention is made of it, the technique could be used to check the headliner in a car to determine if a firearm has been fired inside the vehicle. Revolver, semi-automatic, &c.
As for hand residue, I'll leave that to others to discuss.
Of course this will be declared islamaphobic and racist.
There are steel and bismuth loads for waterfowl. And Copper bullets, but for rifles. If this only works for revolvers?? That eliminates semi auto guns??
Maybe I didn’t read it very well, I thought they were trying to tie a shooter to a victim.
A shot person will have all that residue, of course.
A person shooting a non-revolver, freehand is very
unlikely to get much on them.
Sounds like a Luminol for lead.
I think gunpowder residue is still very important.
No longer will investigators have to rely upon bullet holes to tell if you’ve been shot....
Well, if this works out as advertised, it should make for booming business (no pun intended) for companies like Lehigh Defense and other manufacturers of all copper projectiles.
Does it work even then, if jacketed rounds are used?
Lots of .38 special, for instance, is FMJ.
If the perp goes to a target range right after the incident, the analysis is moot.
Normally semiconductors need a field to show an effect.
Fluorescent things are partial to photons. Now we’ll find out who shot algae and fireflies.
They are just oxidizing the frickin lead people....
Lead oxide (PbO) can exhibit luminescence, or the emission of
light, under certain conditions, particularly when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Some varieties of lead oxide, like massicot, may fluoresce with an orange color under UV irradiation. Additionally, research has shown that lead oxide can be used in luminescent materials, like perovskites, for lead detection and other applications
Much ammunition is lead free a in the projectile is totally encased in a non lead jacket and the primer is of a lead free compound. Then comes the problem of industrial gas and dust residue containing trace lead elements.
Hummm, find a body with bullet holes in it. And we need to figure out if the body was shot? Sherlock Holmes would be aghast.
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