Forensic Microscopes

Forensic examinations

It is well known that every crime leaves behind clues. However, many of these silent witnesses only become evidence that stands out after they have been examined at various levels. Ryf AG, a Swiss based company, provides ideal solutions for each of these stages - from the initial macroscopic examination, microscopic analysis and forensic comparison to time-saving documenting using photography and image databases.  

Microscopes from Ryf Ltd. are used in forensics and sometimes, for more in-depth examinations, electron microscopes are also used to analyse very small samples (e.g. NIKON-JEOL 7000). This is how conclusive knowledge is gained about the origin of a wide range of materials that is important for the chain of evidence. Smoke residue and tool marks can be examined and ink and paper can also be analysed (banknotes as well). Matching paint, hair and fibres and identifying other clues are just some of your areas of interest. This allows you to analyse various micro-structures and particles as well as the positioning and origin of hairline cracks.

Why choose solutions from Ryf AG for your forensics department?

• We also have self-developed and standardised solutions from NIKON, Zeiss and Leica for intuitive, ergonomic work.
• Ryf has the largest selection of lighting. We develop our illuminating systems inhouse / internally, as it depends on the application.
• Compatibility with old existing systems: Many customers often work with old systems from Nikon, Zeiss, Leica or Olympus. We will definitely find a solution for your upgrade and modernisation!  
• Our after sales service team of 10 technicians ensure that we are the only company in the industry to offer you the best on-site service in Switzerland.
• As an exclusive microscope supplier, we have our own mechanical shop floor / production facility. We will work for you in a solution-oriented way in the conversions and revisions / repairs sector.
• We are a Swiss family business that has been involved in microscopy since 1965 and we also train apprentices (EFZ / CFC) . We invest solely in Switzerland and pay our taxes in the cantons of Solothurn and Vaud.
• …

Error analysis and fractography

We recommend using the following combination to obtain the best error analysis results:

1.     Optical high-resolution stereomicroscope system with plan-apo objectives and specific illumination (also fluorescence). Examples: Nikon-SMZ1270 / SMZ18 / SMZ 25. Zeiss- SteREO Discovery V12 / Axio Zoom V18

2.     High-resolution, materials science microscope system with specific optical fittings, (Examples: Nikon- LV100 / LV-150. Zeiss- Axioscope 5/7)

We can also provide a wide range of different camera systems from Jenoptik, Nikon, Zeiss and Leica (unbranded as well).

In fractography, which analyses fractured surfaces, confocal microscopy offers significant advantages over other technologies thanks to its ability to capture three-dimensional volumetric images.

Weapons and physical marks / gunshot residues

GSR (Gunshot residues) are particles that come from a firearm, a cartridge case, the ignition product or a bullet. Gunshot residues (the particle sizes can vary between 0.1 µm and 20 µm) on a hand or a body, can indicate that the person involved had recently been near a firearm or had operated or discharged one. Examining weapons and tool marks requires the right combination of optimum lenses and the correct lighting: LED ring lighting or spotlight / fibre optic lighting / FL ring lighting (NKL18 / 12c) or a combination of these lights.

Cameras with intelligent software solutions will help you to reveal unique surface properties. Find, identify, compare and document using a complete solution from Ryf AG.

High-end solution: A scanning electron microscope, when used in combination with EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), is normally used to identify GSR particles on samples taken from crime scenes or suspects.

Examinations in the micron or nanometre ranges of documents as well as papers

Examining found or confiscated documents requires a detailed microscopic analysis in order to reveal authenticity, changes or even the document's source. Whether it is forgery, identity theft or fraud:  By using Nikon or Zeiss microscopes, cameras and software solutions you can easily, conveniently and precisely examine, compare and then document your findings. A Nikon SMZ 800N and SMZ1270 or a ZeissSteREO Discovery V12 can be used in forensic document examination, e.g. to identify the origin of the paper used, to match torn pieces of paper, bank notes or to examine perforations and tears. The larger NIKON SMZ18 or SMZ25 stereo-microscopes are often used as well, but their use depends on the application.  

High-end solution: A Zeiss EVO MA or a NIKON JEOL JM 7000 SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) resolves features down to the nanometre range and this enables shapes and sizes to be identified. When used in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the system detects the elemental composition in the samples and then displays the component distributions as samples with spatial resolution in the micron range.

Trace evidence from paint and fibre analyses:

Reconstructing events through trace evidence requires precise, microscopic analysis and the correct handling of the sample in order to keep any damage that might be caused to a minimum. Regardless of whether you have to examine fibres, fingerprints, hair, paint, residues, varnish or other trace materials - Ryf can supply you with powerful, modular microscopes together with a wide range of lighting and documenting options.

For example, paints and varnishes are an important source of trace evidence and they can provide forensic scientists with important information. Forensic paint analysis is used in traffic accidents, murder cases and for analysing break-ins, forgeries and graffiti. Apart from the colour, the number of paint layers and their sequence are also important factors that can link paint samples that are otherwise indistinguishable. A NIKON SMZ18 / SMZ25 or Zeiss Axio Zoom V16 zoom microscope can be used as the main instrument for identifying a paint colour as well as the number of layers. A material microscope such as a NIKON LV100 or LV150 can also be used, but this depends on the application.

High-end solution: A Zeiss- EVO MA / or a NIKON- JEOL JM-7000 SEM used together with an EDS system will provide more detailed information about the separate layers such as the number of layers, layer thickness, elemental composition of the specific layers, distribution and size of the pigment particles and impurities.

Forensic medicine / biology / pathology, DNA extraction and forensic toxology

This specialist sector in forensic medicine can cover a wide range of applications. These include forensic biology, pathology, anthropology, toxicology and serology as well as DNA extraction. Regardless of your speciality, forensic laboratory analysis requires the right microscopes, cameras, and software solutions to be customised to meet your needs. Ryf can provide a comprehensive range of forensic biological microscopes from Zeiss or Nikon together with a variety of lenses as well as lighting and software packages.

Metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, thallium or antimony can cause severe damage and even death when present in large quantities in a body. When ingested in small quantities, these metals can lead to serious health problems such as stomach pains, liver damage, circulatory and skin problems as well as cancer. Microscopic tissue analyses usually form part of the examinations carried out in forensic laboratories.

High-end: Scanning electron microscopy (e.g. a compact table-top SEM) working under VP (variable pressure) conditions with a Zeiss-EVO MA / NIKON JEOL JM-7000 can be used for imaging and analysing small fragments of non-conductive materials found on soft human tissue. A table-top SEM (Zeiss-EVO MA / Nikon-Jeol JM-7000) can also be used in conjunction with EDS to identify chemicals deposited on the tissue.

Forensic examinations

Every crime leaves behind clues. However, many of these silent witnesses only become evidence that stands out after they have been examined at various levels. Ryf AG provides ideal solutions for each of these stages - from the initial macroscopic examination, microscopic analysis and forensic comparison to time-saving documenting using photography and image databases.  

In forensics, you can use light microscopes to analyse very small samples as well as electron microscopes for larger examinations (e.g. table-top NIKON-JEOL 7000 SEM). This is how conclusive knowledge is gained about the origin of a wide range of materials that is important for the chain of evidence. Examining smoke residues and tool marks, ink and paper analysing, comparing fibres, hair and paint as well as identifying other traces are just some of your areas of interest. You can also analyse micro-structures, particles or the positions and origins of cracks.

Microscopes used for forensic science training

-        Finding the truth: microscopic examinations turn traces into evidence. As a forensic scientist, you will teach students how to make usable evidence visible using different types of lighting and contrast methods and how software can make documenting the results easier. For newcomers: a Leica EZ4, Zeiss 305 or Zeiss Primostar, Leica DM500, DM750 P; for advanced users: a Zeiss 305 together with a Zeiss 208, Leica EZ4 W, Leica EZ4 E or Leica DM750 P camera; and for experts: a Zeiss 508 together with a Zeiss 208, Leica EZ4 W, DM750 P or a Leica DM750 M camera or a Zeiss Axiolab 5 smart microscope.

• examining ammunition and tool marks
• examining clues such as fibres, hair and paint or fingerprints
• proving falsification or imitation of contested documents
• comparing, analysing and documenting the results