Improved visualization of decomposing tattoos using optical coherence tomography

Manuel J. Marques; Jasmine Pomeroy; Robert Green; Chris Deter; Adrian Bradu; Adrian Podoleanu

doi:10.1117/12.2526757

19 July 2019 Improved visualization of decomposing tattoos using optical coherence tomography

Manuel J. Marques, Jasmine Pomeroy, Robert Green, Chris Deter, Adrian Bradu, Adrian Podoleanu

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11078, Optical Coherence Imaging Techniques and Imaging in Scattering Media III; 110781S (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2526757
Event: European Conferences on Biomedical Optics, 2019, Munich, Germany

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.

Citation Download Citation

Manuel J. Marques, Jasmine Pomeroy, Robert Green, Chris Deter, Adrian Bradu, and Adrian Podoleanu "Improved visualization of decomposing tattoos using optical coherence tomography", Proc. SPIE 11078, Optical Coherence Imaging Techniques and Imaging in Scattering Media III, 110781S (19 July 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2526757

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