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Standards for Optical Imaging Systems in Forensic Laboratories

Published

Author(s)

Jun-Feng Song, Theodore V. Vorburger, Robert A. Clary, Eric P. Whitenton, Li Ma, Susan M. Ballou

Abstract

NIST RM (Reverence Material) 8240/2350 standard bullet and casing project is currently ongoing to support the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) in the US. The original bullet signatures were traced on six master bullets from central laboratories of the bureau of alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A set of six digitized bullet signatures was stored in a NIST computer as a virtual standard for the manufacturing of standard bullets. In January 2002, 20 RM 8240 standard bullets were manufactured at NIST's Instrument Shop using a numerically controlled diamond turnign machine. Test results showed high reproducibility for bullet signatures on different standard bullets. A new parameter using autocorrelation functions was developed for bullet signature comparisons. A traceability diagram was also proposed for local ballistics measurements traceable to the National Laboratory Center of the ATF and to the FBI. Prototype standard casing were developed in 2000 using an electro-forming process. Test results showed high reproducibility for casing signatures. RM 8250 standard casings are planned for delivery soon.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of International Symposium on Instrumentation Science and Technology
Volume
3
Conference Dates
August 8-18, 2002
Conference Location
Jinan, 1, CH
Conference Title
International Symposium on Instrumentation Science and Technology

Keywords

ballistics, bullet signature, refernce material, RM, standard casing

Citation

Song, J. , Vorburger, T. , Clary, R. , Whitenton, E. , Ma, L. and Ballou, S. (2002), Standards for Optical Imaging Systems in Forensic Laboratories, Proceedings of International Symposium on Instrumentation Science and Technology, Jinan, 1, CH (Accessed April 19, 2024)
Created July 31, 2002, Updated October 12, 2021