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Improved visualization of decomposing tattoos using optical coherence tomography

Marques, M.J., Pomeroy, Jasmine, Green, Robert, Deter, Chris, Bradu, Adrian, Podoleanu, Adrian G.H. (2019) Improved visualization of decomposing tattoos using optical coherence tomography. In: Optical Coherence Imaging Techniques and Imaging in Scattering Media III. Proceedings of SPIE . SPIE (doi:10.1117/12.2526757) (KAR id:75506)

Abstract

Tattoos can be used in forensic human identification as a secondary means of identification (other means being, but not limited to, personal descriptions and artefacts) allowing the identification procedure to be strengthened in this way. Despite this, the decomposition of tattoos is a topic not extensively studied in taphonomic research (study of how organisms decay). In this communication, we assess optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a method to reliably identify tattoos before and after decomposition, by imaging tattooed porcine samples. OCT was able to penetrate up to 3mm below the surface and visualize parts of tattoos after 16 days of decomposition, which were no longer visible and recognizable using conventional photography-based methods. We believe this imaging modality has the potential to increase the reliability of tattoos in forensic human identification.

Item Type: Conference or workshop item (Poster)
DOI/Identification number: 10.1117/12.2526757
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Q Science > QC Physics > QC355 Optics
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1001 Forensic medicine. Medical jurisprudence. Legal medicine
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (https://ror.org/0439y7842)
European Research Council (https://ror.org/0472cxd90)
National Institute for Health Research (https://ror.org/0187kwz08)
Moorfields Eye Hospital (https://ror.org/03tb37539)
University College London (https://ror.org/02jx3x895)
Royal Society (https://ror.org/03wnrjx87)
University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: Manuel Marques
Date Deposited: 23 Jul 2019 10:34 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 19:54 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/75506 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Marques, M.J..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7509-0704
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Green, Robert.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Deter, Chris.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Bradu, Adrian.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6890-1599
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Podoleanu, Adrian G.H..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4899-9656
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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