Abstract
This chapter describes the application of confocal imaging in fluorescence and reflection modes and the analysis of the three-dimensional (3D) data sets of samples relevant to forensic medical investigations. In the last three decades, confocal microscopy has become a widely used technique in the fields of biological and medical sciences. Gradually, its use is becoming more widespread in forensic sciences as it offers numerous advantages over conventional wide-field microscopy. One of the key advantages is the generation of sharply focused 3D data stacks of imaged material, without out-of-focus blur. The technique generates digital optical sections from sample swface down to a depth of 100-300 µm from which a multitude ofstructural, sculptural and optical parameters in 3D and 4D can be obtained and analysed. This chapter discusses several examples of confocal imaging for medical forensic applications, including the 3D analysis of finger prints, hair, skin abrasions and grass pollen exine morphology to provide new diagnostic and prognostic information. The chapter also covers practical applications of a powerful 3D visualization and analyses software.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Digital Forensics for the Health Sciences: Applications in Practice and Research |
Editors | Andriani Daskalaki |
Place of Publication | Germany |
Publisher | Medical Information Science |
Pages | 13-28 |
Number of pages | 16 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781609604844 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781609604837 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |