Forensic Publications
The below documents are management system documents utilized by ATF Forensic Laboratories. They are provided for informational purposes only. Sensitive or copyrighted information has been redacted. The documents are used in ATF Laboratories and not published with the intent of setting a policy or analysis standard for other laboratories. The inclusion of equipment/software manufacturer names does not imply endorsement by ATF Laboratories.
The documents were current as of February 28, 2018. ATF management system documents are reviewed annually and revised as needed. For specific requests, submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Name | Description | Type |
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The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to address statements that are contained in Arc Mapping: New Science or New Myth? | Engineering |
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The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide a selection of photographs of various receptacle failures as a reference for fire investigators and engineers. | Impression Evidence |
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The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide the photographs and waveforms produced during the testing and research that examined the relationship between the formation of arc melting and the type of circuit protection device used on the circuit. | Impression Evidence |
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ATF Laboratory Services Fire Debris | Fire Debris |
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ATF Laboratory Services Firearms and Toolmarks
| Firearm and Toolmark |
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ATF Laboratory Services Latent Prints | Latent Prints |
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ATF Laboratory Services Quality Documents | Quality Manuals |
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ATF Laboratory Services Questioned Documents | Questioned Documents |
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ATF Laboratory Services Triage Unit | Triage Unit |
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Abbreviations for explosives sections.
| Explosives |
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Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to identify elements present in solid, powdered or liquid samples.
| Explosives |
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X-ray diffraction is used for the identification of any crystalline material, including inorganic and organic crystalline explosives, residues, and raw materials. Samples may be either individual substances or mixtures.
| Explosives |
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Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a valuable method of identification and comparison in forensic exams.
| Explosives |
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Liquid chromatography is a separation technique based on selective interactions between a stationary phase and a mobile phase.
| Explosives |
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Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry is used for the characterization and identification of many materials, including complex mixtures, which are capable of passing through a gas chromatograph.
| Explosives |
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Pyrolysis is a technique used to break chemical bonds of molecules by the use of thermal energy only.
| Explosives |
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Detection of Ions by Ion Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry is used for the identification of inorganic monatomic and polyatomic ions and organic acids commonly found in explosives and their combustion products.
| Explosives |
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This procedure is applicable for determination of inorganic and organic cations commonly found in aqueous extracts of explosives and explosive residues.
| Explosives |
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Ignition is the act of kindling or setting on fire any combustible substance. An ignition susceptibility test (IST) is conducted to determine if suspected intact explosives or fuse will support combustion.
| Explosives |
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This policy and procedure guideline establishes a standard method for the analysis and comparison of Composition C-4.
| Explosives |