The Accessories Required For A Forensic Comparison Microscope

Forensic comparison microscopes are one of the very important tools used by police investigators to solve crime cases and mysteries. A basic forensic comparison microscope is usually good enough to do the job. But for a better results and a much faster turn around time, there are accessories that should be used along with it.

Forensic comparison microscopes are the type of microscopes that are used to inspect two similar or at times dissimilar samples, at the same time. For example, the hair strand recovered in the scene of the crime can be viewed simultaneously with a sample of the suspect’s hair. As such, investigators will be able to conclude that the suspect was indeed inside the premises when the crime happened. Forensic comparison microscopes are also used to compare the striations of a bullet with the aim of matching it with the firearm that launched it. These, and a whole lot of others, are the many applications of forensic comparison microscopes.

And to further enhance the features of a forensic comparison microscope, there are a lot of accessories being developed for it. These much-needed accessories are as follows:

1. Higher power objectives The objective of a forensic comparison microscope is usually 2x to 2.6xs only. Generally, these microscopes are low power microscopes. But it is very possible to use them with objectives of higher power as well. Doing so would allow users to view much smaller images with longer distances as well. A forensic comparison microscope can use objectives as high as 100xs, but rarely does its package comes with them. These objectives are usually bought separately.

2. Binocular Body The binocular body that can be fitted into the forensic comparison microscope has dual optical assemblies that slide on a compatible plate. The main purpose of this accessory is to adjust the microscope’s intra-ocular distance. Almost all forensic comparison microscopes have paired eyepieces for better viewing.

3. Digital camera Most forensic comparison microscopes are trinocular microscopes. This means that they have a total of three ports that can be used with eyepieces. Two of them are used for binocular viewing. Another person can use the additional port. Or better yet, it can be used to attach a digital camera into. The role of a digital camera in a forensic comparison microscope is crucial. And much of it is because of its ability to capture images, and at times even videos. These in turn, can be presented as evidences inside the courtroom.

4. Colder light source Most forensic comparison microscopes are created with built-in lighting systems. This is because these types of microscopes are highly complex in nature. But there are certain cases that the sample to be observed is very sensitive to the hot halogen lamps that are equipped usually with it. For this purpose, it would be good to get an alternative light source that produces lights that are a lot colder but as functional as than halogen lamps. External fluorescent lamps are ideal.

5. Software Almost all of the newer forensic comparison microscopes available in the market today are equipped with a USB cable so that they can easily be connected to a computer system. Its ability to be interfaced to a personal computer poses a lot of possibilities for the user. With the right software, forensic comparison microscopes will be even more functional. Users will be able to control the contrast or brightness of the image produced. Zooming in and out of the specimen with retaining the image’s resolution is possible. It would also be simple for user to create a special report with the digital images of the specimens. With the right software, users can do so much with the images as produced by the forensic comparison microscope. They have the freedom to do whatever they want to do with it because they can treat like any other jpeg files.

6. Ergonomic attachments These accessories are also necessary in order to ensure that the investigators who are actually using the microscope experience optimum comfort while doing their job. If their eyes and backs strain too much from using the microscope, then there will be higher probability for human errors. And in the field where forensic comparison microscopes are used, there definitely is no place for these types of errors.

These are the most needed accessories for forensic comparison microscopes. All of them contribute something to add to the usability of these important devices. While they merely are optional devices, it is advisable that every forensic comparison microscopes be equipped with these accessories as well.

Home | About Us | Products | Partners | Contact Us
Copright 2007 Forensic Comparison Microscope. All Rights Reserved.