Infrared Spectroscopy in Qualitative Analysis of Laser Printer and Photocopy Toner on Questioned Documents.

A study was undertaken to examine the possibility of qualitative analysis of photocopy and laser printers toners by three different microscopic infrared spectrometry techniques: Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFTS), microscopic Attenuated Total Reflectance (μATR), and microscopic Reflection-Absorption (μRA), respectively, with a variety of reflecting media including mirrored slides, low emissive glass, or aluminum foil. Selection of the analysis technique can be made based on equipment availability, ease of sample preparation, speed of analysis, and importance of the original document to determine if a mildly destructive technique can be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]