Course Outline & Syllabus

Polarized light microscopy, infrared microspectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and SEM/EDS will be applied to the examination of organic and inorganic pigments, extenders, media and binders. Topics include particle morphology, optics, microchemistry, sublimation methods, and paint-fragment sectioning techniques.

Prerequisite: The Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course serve as a prerequisite for the advanced courses. Students must complete the Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course or submit proof of competency to the director before an application to the advanced courses will be accepted.

Day 1
Review of polarized light microscopy, nature of paint: chemistry of vehicles and pigments, history, different kinds of paint, particle size

Day 2
Köhler illumination, micrometry, refractive index measurements, pleochroism, dispersion staining, extinction, birefringence, compensation

Day 3
Sampling and sample handling: tungsten needles, crossections, mounting media, crushings; preparation of samples for FTIR, SEM (EDS); particle identification and characterization of pigments: Morphology, optical properties, observations on <11 μm particles, Aroclor preps in 5442 and 1260 (rolling media), high index methods, S/Se melts and sublimation

Day 4
Microchemical methods, sample preparation: ashing, fusion (Na₂CO₃), solubility, density, qualitative inorganic and organic analysis, microminaturization of tests; vehicle examination and identification: Media, surface coatings, glues, pastes, solubility, staining, fluorescence

Day 5
Special methods: FTIR, fluorescence, SEM, TEM; Interpretation/Resources: significance of correspondence, survey data, standards, case circumstances