Abstract
BackgroundIn the present study, three-dimensional application of confocal microscope is explored. The aim is to determine the sequence of intersecting lines written on a questioned document as a non-destructive technique. The authors have tested the Nikon confocal A1 microscope on two major criteria. The criterion 1 focuses on the analysis of homogenous intersecting lines, whereas the criterion 2 focuses on the effect of pen pressure on the sequence of the strokes. Fifty-four and 42 samples from criterion 1 and criterion 2 respectively were examined. All the intersecting strokes were homogeneous and in either black- or blue-coloured ink. They were made from glycol-based (ballpoint pen) and liquid-based (fountain pen and gel pen) inks.ResultThe authors were able to determine the correct sequence of homogeneous intersecting lines in 81 and 83% of the average data of samples for criterion 1 (the analysis of homogenous intersecting lines) and criterion 2 (the effect of pen pressure on the sequence of the strokes) respectively.ConclusionThe confocal microscope proved to be a reliable and precise technique for analysing the homogeneous intersected lines made by any pen pressure beyond all the errors during interpretation.
Highlights
In the present study, three-dimensional application of confocal microscope is explored
The confocal microscope proved to be a reliable and precise technique for analysing the homogeneous intersected lines made by any pen pressure beyond all the errors during interpretation
The three-dimensional analysis of intersecting strokes assisted the study by helping in forming a definite opinion on the determination of the sequence of the strokes made by homogenous inks
Summary
Three-dimensional application of confocal microscope is explored. The main disadvantage of 2D imaging technique is that the darker or heavier ink line may appear above the lighter ink line, irrespective of the correct order of the stroke. To deal with homogeneous intersecting strokes, non-contact techniques, known as 3D imaging techniques are used These techniques are a reliable alternative to conventional 2D techniques and are becoming popular in the domain of Forensic Questioned Document (Heikkinen et al 2010). 3D imaging techniques do not require any sample preparation These are non-destructive in nature and are not affected by the type of pen, type and colour of ink, and pen pressure applied while making a fraudulent document
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