Uses and Other Important Things about Low Power Stereoscopic Forensic Comparison Microscopes
Low power stereoscopic forensic comparison microscopes may be lesser in power than other more expensive microscope models but the purpose they serve in forensic science shouldn’t be nevertheless underestimated
How Low Power Stereoscopic Forensic Comparison Microscopes are Used Today A forensic comparison microscope features two eyepieces connected to each other with a bridge. Nowadays, it is designed to suit users of all heights and sizes as well as accommodate even individuals wearing eyeglasses. Looking through the eyepieces will allow the researcher to study two different photos or specimens simultaneously and make precise comparisons.
If you are using a digital forensic comparison microscope, the photos you’re comparing to each other can even be made to appear 3D. With three-dimensional images, uneven, unaligned, and other errors will be made more distinct. One click of a button alone will let you change viewing options for one or both images in order to make them sharper and clearer.
Forensic Ballistics and Low Power Stereoscopic Forensic Comparison Microscopes
Ballistics is the science of analyzing firearms and its bullets. When applied to forensic science, it is used to discover critical evidence in order to determine the guilty party and solve civil and criminal cases. When a person pulls the trigger of a gun, he causes the bullet or projectile spins out of the gun and on to the desired target. This creates grooves on a gun’s barrel and this process is referred to as rifling. Just like DNA, the rifling process of every gun and bullet is distinct from each other.
There are four primary kinds of ballistics: Internal Ballistics – this involves the study of the acceleration process a bullet or projectile is subjected to Transition Ballistics – this involves the study of the various factors affecting a bullet or projectile once it leaves the gun’s barrel External Ballistics – this involves the study of the various factors affecting a bullet or projectile as it passes through air Terminal Ballistics – this involves the study of the various interactions between a bullet or projectile and its target as well as all other factors affecting them.
Most forensic experts start forensic ballistic investigations with research and analyses. First, they determine possible matches between guns and projectiles based on the caliber. A 9mm bullet will not fit a 10mm gun. The rifling process is the next thing evaluated. Factors like direction, twist rate, and number and shape of grooves made on the bullet and barrel are examined. Brands and models usually share distinctive rifling marks and by this time, you’ll be able to determine at least the brand name and model of the gun used.
Once possible guns have been located and confiscated, that’s the only time low power stereoscopic forensic comparison microscopes will be used. The grooves found on the gun will be compared with the grooves found on the bullet. Matches will immediately confirm that the bullets found in the crime scene came from a confiscated gun.
Today, ballistic data is stored in the database of the US government for easy referencing.
Impression Evidence and Low Power Stereoscopic Forensic Comparison Microscopes Impression is any mark caused by the pressure of placing an object against something else. Walking on a muddy garden could cause your rubber shoes to leave footprints – a kind of impression – on the muddy ground. This can be taken as a sample and used as evidence later on if it yields any match.
Precautionary measures must be strictly observed when you wish to use an impression found in a crime scene as possible evidence. First, secure the premises to ensure that no part of the crime scene will be contaminated or changed. Secondly, look for all possible impressions like shoeprints, handprints, fingerprints, tire treads, tracks, and even dust marks. Photograph them from every angle because impressions are often transitory only.
Various materials and solutions may be used to collect either the imprint itself or obtain a copy of the impression.
Once impressions have been collected, stored, and printed, the search is now on for possible item matches. If any items are located, the same process of comparison will be performed.
Broken Pieces – Pieces that have been accidentally or deliberately separated from its original source can find its way back “home” with the use of low power stereoscopic forensic comparison microscopes. Enlarging the images will show if there’s a direct and perfect match between the broken piece and another object.
Those are just some of the purposes being served by low power stereoscopic forensic comparison microscopes. Given the passage of time, the role they serve in forensic science is sure to expand even more.

