Laboratory Practical Manual

Advanced Forensic Physics Lab

BSCFST-403

Department of Forensic Science

School of Basic and Applied Sciences

Mahatma Gandhi Mission University

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
 CERTIFICATE

Name:

Course:

Roll No.:

This is certified to be the bonafide work of the student

in the Advanced Forensic Physics Lab during the academic
year 2023 – 2024.

No. of practicals certified _______ out of ________ in the

subject of Advanced Forensic Physics Lab

_________________ ____________________ __________________

Teacher-in- Head of the External

charge Department Examiner
 INDEX
Sl. No. Name of the experiment Date Signature
1. To study the different parts of a
compound microscope
2. To physically match glass pieces
3. To physically match broken glass bangle
pieces
4. To physically match cloth pieces
5. To physically match paint chips
6. To physically compare given button
samples
7. To examine different fibres
8. Case Study – I
9. Case Study - II
Observations
 Date:
EXPERIMENT - I
Aim: To study the different parts of a compound microscope
Requirements: Compound microscope
Theory:
The parts of a compound microscope can be categorized into:
• Mechanical components - Including head, eyepiece tube, arm, stage, stage
clips, nosepiece, condenser, focus knobs (coarse and fine adjustments), and
base.
• Illumination Components - Including illuminator.
• Optical components - Including eyepiece (ocular lens), objective lens,
diaphragm
Mechanical components:
1. Head and eyepiece tube: The upper part of the head attached to the eyepiece
tube supports optical components, maintains lens alignment, and supports
the eyepiece tube for optimal performance.
2. Base and arm: The base and arm of the microscope provide stability and
facilitate the connection of the base and upper parts, ensuring easy handling
and transportation.
3. Stage and clips: The stage is a flat platform attached to the arm with an
adjustable height. The clips help to hold the slides, and the center hole
passes the light to the object.
4. Condenser: It is located under the stage and is positioned between the stage
and the diaphragm. It regulates the light intensity that passes from the
illuminator to the hole.
5. Nosepiece: It is a circular; rotating metal part positioned at the bottom of
the body and holds three different objective lenses.
6. Focusing knobs (coarse and fine adjustments): The coarse adjustment knob
adjusts for general focus by moving the body tube up whereas the fine
adjustment is used for clear visualization.
Optical components:
1. Eyepiece (ocular lens): The eyepiece at the top of the body tube visualizes
the magnified image by objective lenses to the closest view.
Observations
 2. Objective lens: It is located at the top of the stage, magnifies and projects
the magnified image of the specimen which can be observed through the
eyepiece.
3. Oil immersion objective (100X) - Ideal for maximum magnification to
observe fine details, and enhance resolution, and clarity of the structure of
bacteria or cellular components.
4. High power objective (45X) - Ideal for detailed examination of specific
specimen features after initial scanning.
5. Low power objective (10X) – Ideal for initial observation and location, also
offering a wide field view and frequent scanning of the entire specimen.
6. Diaphragm: The diaphragm, located below the stage controls the amount
of light reaching the specimen. It is of two types: disc and iris.
Illumination components:
1. Illuminator: It is the light source, either a mirror or light used to illuminate
the object to the eyepiece.

Precautions:
1. Eyepieces must be cleaned using a silk cloth and cleaning liquid before
use.
2. Avoid tilting while working or using the microscope.
3. Start focusing the specimen from the lower magnification and then to the
higher.
4. Avoid objective lenses hitting the stage while focusing.
5. For well–mount preparation, a coverslip must be used before observing.
6. Ensure the immersion oil is applied before focusing on higher
magnification.

Conclusion: The different parts of a compound microscope were studied.

 Observations
Exhibit No. Colour Max. length Max. width Avg. Thickness
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – II
Aim: To physically match glass pieces
Requirements: Magnifying glass, Stereomicroscope, pencil, white paper sheets,
Camera
Theory:
Glass, as a physical clue, is frequently encountered in various crimes, such as
burglary, road accidents, murder, sexual assault, shooting incidents, arson and
vandalism. The chips of broken glass from a window may be lodged in suspects
shoes or garments during the act of burglary or particles of headlight glass found
at the scene of hit and run accident may offer clues that confirm the identity of a
suspected vehicle or glass may also be found on the clothing of an alleged
assailant, where a bottle is used as weapon.
Before performing tests for density, refractive index, etc. physical matching of
the broken glass fragments needs to be attempted.
Protocol:
1. Each of the broken glass fragment provided was identified and labelled.
2. Macroscopic features of each of the glass fragment were observed using
magnifying glass and stereomicroscope.
3. Measurements such as the maximum length, maximum width, and the
thickness of the glass fragments were recorded.
4. Each of the broken glass fragment was traced on a blank sheet
5. Inferences were made using the traced images to see where each of the
glass fragment can tentatively fit.
6. According to the traced images, each glass fragment was
oriented/positioned on a white sheet of paper to fit each other.
7. The resultant arrangement of glass pieces was documented through
photographs.

Conclusion:
The given glass pieces were physically matched.
 Observations
Exhibit No. Colour Max. length Max. width Avg. Thickness
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – III
Aim: To physically match broken glass bangle pieces
Requirements: Magnifying glass, Stereomicroscope, pencil, white paper sheets,
Camera
Theory:
Glass, as a physical clue, is frequently encountered in various crimes, such as
burglary, road accidents, murder, sexual assault, shooting incidents, arson and
vandalism. The chips of broken glass from a window may be lodged in suspects
shoes or garments during the act of burglary or particles of headlight glass found
at the scene of hit and run accident may offer clues that confirm the identity of a
suspected vehicle or glass may also be found on the clothing of an alleged
assailant, where a bottle is used as weapon. Bangles are ornaments worn on the
wrists of majority of Indian women, and are often made up of glass. In certain
crimes involving a woman as a victim or a perpetrator, pieces of broken bangles
are often found. Since glass can act as a corroborative evidence, broken bangles
need to be reconstructed.
Before performing tests for density, refractive index, etc. physical matching of
the broken glass bangle fragments needs to be attempted.
Protocol:
1. Each of the broken bangle piece provided was identified and labelled.
2. Macroscopic features of each of the bangle fragment were observed using
magnifying glass and stereomicroscope.
3. Measurements such as the maximum length, maximum width, and the
thickness of the glass fragments were recorded.
4. Each of the broken bangle fragment was traced on a blank sheet
5. Inferences were made using the traced images to see where each of the
bangle fragment can tentatively fit.
6. According to the traced images, each bangle fragment was
oriented/positioned on a white sheet of paper to fit each other.
7. The resultant arrangement of glass pieces was documented through
photographs.

Conclusion:
The given broken bangle pieces were physically matched and it was observed that
 Observations

Sl. No. Feature Sample A Sample B

1. Colour

2. Material

3. Warp

4. Weft

5. Stain

6. Miscellaneous
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – IV
Aim: To physically match cloth pieces
Requirements: Cloth pieces, pencil, Magnifying glass, scale
Theory:
Cloth pieces may be important evidence in an incidence that involves personal
contact such as homicide, assault, sexual offences, hit and run cases, etc. In such
cases there may be a cross-transfer of cloth pieces of the perpetrator and the
victim. Cloth pieces made up of cotton, wool, nylon, linen, rayon, etc. may act as
a corroborative evidence and help investigators in linking the perpetrator, victim,
and the crime scene. Physical properties such as colour, texture, warp and weft
may help in comparison of cloth pieces.
Warp and weft are two basic components of weaving that transform yarn and
thread into textile fabrics. Warp is the long yarn that runs vertically up and down
the fabric roll, while weft is the yarn that passes horizontally across the fabric
roll. Warp governs the vertical pattern repeat, while weft governs the horizontal
pattern repeat.

Protocol:
1. The colour of the two cloth pieces in question was observed.
2. The texture of the two cloth pieces in question was observed.
3. A 1 cm X 1 cm square was marked on the cloth pieces, and their warp and
weft characteristics were observed using a magnifying glass

Conclusion:
The given cloth pieces were examined and it was observed that
 Observations

Sl. No. Feature Sample A Sample B

1. Colour

2. Number of layers

3. Sequence of layers

4. Surface markings

5. Adherents

6. Miscellaneous findings
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – V
Aim: To physically match paint chips
Requirements: paint chips, pencil, Magnifying glass, scale, stereomicroscope
Theory:
Paint chips are commonly encountered in cases of vehicular collision, hit and run,
etc. Paint chips can act as corroborative evidence, and can help investigators in
linking the perpetrator, victim, and the scene of crime. Paint chips can also be
used to reconstruct events leading up to the crime, and can even establish identity
of weapon/tools involved in commission of the crime.
Automative paints consist of multiple layers, and these need to be examined for
the different exhibits to verify whether they belong to the same source. Paint chips
are examined by performing preliminary investigation first, which involves
physical matching and studying surface adherents and markings. This is followed
by microchemical test, TLC and instrumental analysis

Protocol:
1. The given paint chips were examined under the stereomicroscope and any
similarities between the different paint chips were noted
2. Bigger chips were separated from the smaller ones
3. The bigger chips were rotated and aligned with each other to see if they
physically match
4. The colour of paint chips were noted.
5. The number and sequence of each layer of the paint chips were noted
6. The surface markings and adherent materials on the paint chips were noted.
Conclusion:
The given paint chips were examined and it was observed that
 Observations

Sl. No. Feature Sample A Sample B

1. Colour

2. Diameter

3. Thickness

4. Number of holes

5. Presence of brand name

6. Surface adherents

7. Miscellaneous findings
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – VI
Aim: To physically compare given button samples
Requirements: Buttons, vernier callipers, scale, magnifying glass.
Theory:
Buttons are some of the most commonly encountered evidences in crimes which
have an element of physical altercation – homicide, assault, sexual assault, hit
and run cases, etc. Observing loose buttons at a scene of crime are an indication
of use of brute force at the scene of crime.
Buttons can be made up of substances like wood, plastic, metal, etc. and have
different features such as size, shape, number of holes, patterns, etc. Often the
buttons may have the name of the manufacturer/brand on them, and can also have
fibres adhering to them which may provide further avenues for investigation.
Buttons act as corroborative evidence, and can help investigators in linking the
perpetrator, victim, and the scene of crime.

Protocol:
1. The given buttons were examined under the magnifying glass
2. The colour of the buttons was observed and recorded.
3. The diameter of the buttons was measured using a scale.
4. The thickness of the buttons was recorded using the vernier callipers
5. The number of holes of each button was noted, and presence of any brand
name was observed.
Conclusion:
The given buttons were examined and it was observed that
Observations
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – VII
Aim: To examine different fibres
Requirements: Fibre specimens, Compound microscope, microscope slide,
cover slip.
Theory:
Fibres are commonly encountered trace evidences and act as corroborative
evidence to aid investigators in linking the perpetrator, victim, and the crime
scene. Based on their origin, the fibres can be classified into natural and artificial.
Natural fibres are further divided into plant based, animal based, and mineral
fibres. Synthetic fibres can be semi-synthetic (plant based) or synthetic.
Natural fibres:
Plant based fibres:
Cotton: Flat, ribbon like, convoluted fibres with a thick wall.
Linen: Smooth, bamboo like with cross lineation, presence of nodes, broad
lumen.
Jute: Cylindrical with uneven diameter, variable lumen, may show presence of
nodes.
Animal based fibres:
Wool: Cylindrical, irregular, rough, scale like structure, dark medulla.
Silk: Smooth surface, transparent, fine diameter, triangular cross section.
Synthetic fibres:
Nylon: Smooth surface, uniform diameter, uniform colour, translucent
appearance.
Rayon: Smooth surface, uniform diameter, translucent appearance, wavy
appearance (crimp), presence of spin finish (dispersed particles of sizing agents)
 Observations

Sl. No. Colour Fabric Observations

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Protocol:
1. The given fibre samples are degreased with petroleum ether or carbon
tetrachloride.
2. The fibre samples are then mounted onto individual microscope slides and
a drop of water was added to them.
3. The fibres were then covered with cover slip and placed under the
microscope.
4. Each of the fibre samples was observed at different magnifications, and
their features were recorded.
Conclusion:
The given fibre samples were examined.
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – VIII
Case study - I
 Date:
EXPERIMENT – IX
Case study – II