이유란 (국립과학수사연구원)

이유란 (국립과학수사연구원)

이유란 (국립과학수사연구원)

김시원 (국립과학수사연구원)

이동계 (국립과학수사연구원)

황신영 (국립과학수사연구원)

안다경 (국립과학수사연구원)

Manufactured products discovered at crime scenes are analyzed using a variety of analytical instruments to determine their identity. Conventional analytical equipment such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are utilized primarily for compositional analysis, allowing for the identification of material components and elemental ratios. However, these methods have limitations in providing precise information regarding the origin of evidence directly involved in criminal activities. To address this gap, it is crucial to employ analytical techniques capable of tracing the provenance of materials. Among such instruments, the Elemental Analyzer-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (EA-IRMS) has recently gained prominence for origin verification, leveraging stable isotopes such as carbon and nitrogen. The rationale behind using isotopic analysis lies in its ability to detect differences in isotope ratios that arise from environmental conditions during raw material formation, even when products are mass-produced using ostensibly identical ingredients. This isotopic variance facilitates more accurate identification compared to traditional compositional analysis. In this study, we present various case analyses of manufactured products examined using EA-IRMS. We aim to discuss the effectiveness and future prospects of isotope-based analysis for manufactured goods, highlighting its potential role in forensic investigations.