Application of cathodoluminescence and quantitative color analysis to the study of glass for forensic purposes

Forensic analysis of glass has traditionally relied on the use of refractive index (RI) measurements and physical methods for matching. The current study utilized cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy, combined with RI and quantitative color analysis. CL is a phenomenon that occurs when light is emitted from a material upon electron bombardment. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with CL detection was used for analysis. Standard glass samples from NIST were used for method development, while samples obtained from the Crime Scene Complex at West Virginia University and headlight glass samples from Jordan Auto Parts in Pennsylvania were used to evaluate the method. Additionally, a breaking and entering scenario was carried out. Replicate CL spectra were obtained from each sample, as well as refractive index measurements. Results indicate that the combination of CL, RI, and color analysis allows for the successful differentiation of samples