Applications / Forensics Microscopy
Forensic Microscopy
Solutions
Microscopes, cameras, illumination and spectrometers for forensic science applications. Complete imaging and analysis setups for UK and Irish police forces, forensic laboratories, universities and government agencies.
Forensic microscopes
Stemi 508, Axioscope 5 and AxioImager for a variety of stereo, upright and comparison techniques
Forensic cameras
Naos, Kapella, Arktur ideal for documentation and measurement imaging
Customisable Setups
Microscopes can be tailored to application including boom stands, reflected illumination, goosenecks and optical modules
J&M spectrometers
Fibre, paint and document colour analysis as a UK and Ireland dealer
FORENSIC MICROSCOPY & IMAGING IN UK & IRELAND
Advanced imaging solutions for forensic science applications
In forensic science, every detail in an image counts. From trace evidence examination to fibre colour analysis, the quality, resolution and reproducibility of your imaging system directly affects case outcomes. Indigo Scientific supplies complete forensic microscopy and imaging solutions for UK and Irish police forces, Home Office approved forensic laboratories, universities and government agencies.
We supply microscopes, cameras, illumination and spectrometers specifically configured for forensic casework requirements, including documentation, comparison, spectral analysis and measurement. All systems are supplied by our UK-based team and can be configured to match your laboratory's existing workflows and reporting standards.
Our forensic range covers stereomicroscopes for trace evidence and physical mark examination, upright systems for microscopy and comparison work, forensic cameras for documentation and measurement, J&M spectrometers for fibre and paint colour analysis, and customisable Zeiss configurations with boom stands, gooseneck illumination and specialist optical elements.
WHAT FORENSIC LABORATORIES REQUIRE
Imaging across every forensic discipline
Forensic microscopy is not one application, it spans multiple examination types, each requiring specific optics, illumination, camera capability and analytical tools. We supply and configure systems for all of the following.
Fibre & textile trace analysis
Comparison and colour analysis of textile fibres from crime scenes. Requires high-resolution upright microscopy, polarised light capability and UV/Vis spectrometry for definitive colour matching beyond visual comparison
Toolmarks, bullets & cartridges
Comparison and documentation of physical marks on bullets, cartridges, tools and metal surfaces. Requires stereo microscopy with gooseneck or ring illumination for raking light, and cameras with high dynamic range for mark documentation.
Document & ink examination
Examination of handwriting, printed documents, stamps, alterations and ink analysis. Requires upright microscopy with reflected and transmitted illumination, document cameras for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic ink comparison.
Biological & cellular evidence
Examination of biological trace evidence including hair, plant material, insect fragments and cellular material. Requires upright microscopy with bright-field, phase contrast and fluorescence capability depending on the material type.
Paint fragment analysis
Examination of paint transfers from vehicles, buildings and objects. Stereo microscopy for layer structure examination, upright for section examination, and spectroscopy for colour analysis of individual paint layers.
Forensic documentation & reporting
Reproducible image capture, measurement and reporting for casework. Forensic cameras with measurement capability, calibration tools, metadata recording and direct export for case file documentation, critical for evidential integrity.
FORENSICS MICROSCOPES
Microscopes for forensic science
Zeiss microscopes configured for forensic applications including stereo systems for trace evidence and physical marks, upright systems for contrast techniques and fluorescence, and compact models for fast routine observation. All are upgradeable and modular to your specific casework requirements. Contact us to configure a system for your laboratory.
Zeiss Stemi 508
Stereo microscope ideal for forensics observation of trace evidence, tool marks, bullets and cartridges. Large working distance, 8:1 zoom ratio, integrated LED transmitted and reflected illumination. Compatible with gooseneck illuminators for raking light examination of physical marks.
Zeiss Axioscope 5
Upright research microscope with contrast techniques, fluorescence and automation capability, ideal for advanced forensic laboratory work. Phase contrast, DIC, polarised light and fluorescence available. Suitable for fibre examination, hair analysis and biological trace evidence requiring contrast enhancement.
Zeiss Primostar 3
Compact, economical upright microscope for fast observation and routine forensic examination. Phase contrast, brightfield and polarisation available. Ideal for teaching forensic science programmes and laboratories requiring a reliable, straightforward system for routine microscopic examination.
CUSTOMISABLE FORENSIC SETUPS
Forensic microscope configurations tailored to your laboratory
Zeiss microscopes are upgradeable and modular, the same core platform can be configured very differently depending on your forensic examination requirements. We work with forensic laboratory managers, examiners and purchasing teams to specify a system that matches existing workflows and can grow with your needs.
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Boom stands — flexible positioning over large or irregular evidence items without a fixed stage
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Reflected light modules — for examination of opaque evidence such as cartridges, tools and surfaces
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Transmitted illumination — for thin sections, fibres and translucent evidence
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Gooseneck illumination — directed fibre-optic lighting for raking light examination of physical marks
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Optical elements — polarisers, analysers, waveplates and DIC prisms for contrast enhancement
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Camera ports and adapters — for documentation cameras at any magnification
FORENSIC MICROSCOPE CAMERAS
Cameras for forensic documentation & analysis
We offer a range of forensic microscope cameras from multiple brands offering balancing resolution, sensitivity and software features for forensic documentation, comparison microscopy and measurement. Forensic cameras need to provide reproducible, calibrated, evidentially defensible images, not just technically good ones. All cameras are compatible with most microscope models via standard C-mount adapters.
KAPELLA
Kapella ideal for fluorescence applications within forensics, with a large pixel size for excellent low-light sensitivity. Where fluorescence examination of biological trace or UV-responsive evidence is required, the Kapella delivers the sensitivity needed without sacrificing spatial resolution.
FORENSIC SPECTROMETERS
J&M TIDAS spectrometers for forensic colour analysis
J&M TIDAS microscope spectrometers combine the strengths of microscopy and spectroscopy into a system that is fast, practical and easy to use in a forensic laboratory environment. Indigo Scientific is the direct J&M Microsystems dealer for the UK and Ireland.
J&M TIDAS spectrometers attach to a transmitted-light microscope and capture a full spectral fingerprint of microscopic samples. This provides an objective, quantitative record of colour properties that goes far beyond visual examination, enabling definitive comparison, database matching and court-ready evidence.
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Fibre & textile analysis
Colour measurement of textile fibres through the UV and visible range. MSP 400 and MSP 800 models used in forensic labs for precise spectral matching and identification. Non-destructive with little sample preparation beyond standard microscope mounting.
Paint fragment analysis
Spectral analysis of paint fragments from vehicle transfers, buildings and objects. Measuring paints is as simple as setting up a standard lab microscope, the MSP 400 provides objective colour data for comparison and discrimination.