1.1 Infrared (IR) spectrophotometery is a valuable method of fiber polymer identification and comparison in forensic examinations. The use of IR microscopes coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers has greatly simplified the IR analysis of single fibers, thus making the technique feasible for routine use in the forensic laboratory.

1.2 This guideline is intended to assist individuals and laboratories that conduct forensic fiber examinations and comparisons in the effective application of infrared spectroscopy to the analysis of fiber evidence. Although this guide is intended to be applied to the analysis of single fibers, many of its suggestions are applicable to the infrared analysis of small particles in general.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.