Automation of Gunshot Residue Detection and Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDX)

The identification of gunshot residues (GSR) is generally accomplished by bulk analysis of complete residue samples (by atomic absorption spectroscopy or neutron activation analysis) or by residue particle analysis (by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis). The limitations and advantages of the two techniques are discussed. Two systems for the automation of GSR particle search have become commercially available recently. A detailed operational description and the results of 50 experimental search runs are reported for 1 of these systems. These results are also compared with results of 16 experimental search runs conducted with the second of the automation systems commercially available.