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Use of Filtered Light for the Evaluation of Writing Inks Analyzed Using Thin Layer Chromatography

NCJ Number
234672
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 778-782
Author(s)
Stephanie Houlgrave, M.F.S.; Gerald M. LaPorte, M.S.F.S.; Joseph C. Stephens, M.S.F.S.
Date Published
May 2011
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Twenty-nine ballpoint writing ink samples were selected for thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis.
Abstract
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a scientific methodology that can be used to compare and characterize ink formulations. Occasionally, when evaluating chromatographic profiles on a TLC plate with ambient light, different ink formulations, or the same inks from different batches, may appear indistinguishable. The use of filtered light can be very effective to illuminate characteristics that are not readily apparent with ambient light. There are a diverse number of components commonly found in writing inks, and it may be that some of them respond to particular wavelengths of energy that are not visible to the unaided eye (i.e., colorless). There has been very little information published that addresses the use of filtered light for evaluating TLC plates. The current study reports that further evaluation using an alternate light source, coupled with the appropriate filter, proved to be an effective means for definitive discrimination in some cases. (Published Abstract)

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