Custom Design, Build, and Calibration of an FBI illuminator
TechniQuip delivered a prototype for an LED illuminator for a comparison microscope used in FBI evidentiary analysis of bullets. For test results that must stand up in court, illumination between the two channels must match exactly, which presents a challenge for most microscopy illumination. Competitive solutions could be set to 70% on one side and 100% on the other, creating doubt in the reliability of findings. TechniQuip designed and built a dual-port architecture illuminator for simultaneous comparison microscopy. Each channel undergoes independent calibration to ensure matched performance characteristics across the optical paths, critical for comparative forensic analysis methodologies.
The calibrated unit ensures consistent, reproducible illumination characteristics essential for forensic examination workflows where color fidelity and spectral accuracy directly impact evidentiary analysis quality.
This unit has been configured specifically for law enforcement applications requiring high color rendering index (CRI) illumination for trace evidence examination.
TechniQuip worked with long-time system integration partners Accu-Scope and Unitron to develop a solution that meets the exacting requirements of law enforcement. Unitron has worked with TechniQuip for 25 years, a trusted US partner for better communication and a faster design/build process.
Illumination Challenge
Existing forensic microscope illumination are separate units that could differ in color rendering and total light output across the dimming range. There was also no means of providing operational feedback to operators to indicate faults.
TechniQuip LED Solution
The dual-port forensic illumination source has been calibrated and tested for spectral content by channel, color rendering quality, and total light output per channel across the dimming range.
Testing data demonstrates exceptional channel-to-channel matching, enabling reliable comparison microscopy where specimens viewed under the left and right channels must exhibit identical appearance.
Spectral Content by Channel
Spectral content is optimized for forensic microscopy applications where accurate color discrimination is paramount. Both channels utilize high-CRI LED technology with carefully engineered phosphor coatings that produce broadband emission mimicking natural daylight characteristics.
Color Rendering Quality
Color rendering index (CRI) quantifies how accurately a light source renders colors compared to a reference illuminant, with values above 90 considered excellent for critical tasks. CRI values differed between channels by only 0.2 points, with a 3nm difference between channels, resulting in no perceptive color shifts.
Calibration Flux by Channel
Luminous flux measurements quantify total light output from each channel across the dimming range, measured in lumens. The flux measurements demonstrate excellent linearity. At full power, both channels produce 184-185 lumens, providing ample illumination intensity for high-magnification forensic microscopy applications. The left and right channels exhibit identical flux characteristics at all dimming levels, ensuring uniform illumination.
“This was a serious challenge for a serious product that takes a lot of attention. It’s got to be 100% right—you don’t want to send the wrong person to jail. It’s exciting to see this go from a napkin sketch to delivering a tested solution. Kudos to Dave, Robin, and their design team.”
– Heston Singh, VP of Business Development with Accu-Scope and Unitron