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Electronic Device Analysis Tool (EDAT): An Instrument for Identifying Electrostatic Charges

Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA), a non-damaging tool for document scrutiny, identifies hidden impressions or indentations on paper. Manufactured by Foster and Freeman, ESDA is employed in the field of questioned document examination. The method is sensitive and useful in this field.

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ELECTROSTATIC DETECTION APPARATUS (ESDA) – A Non-Invasive Approach for Document Inspection: ESDA,...
ELECTROSTATIC DETECTION APPARATUS (ESDA) – A Non-Invasive Approach for Document Inspection: ESDA, manufactured by Foster and Freeman, is a tool applied in questioned document examination. This method essentially identifies indentations or impressions on paper through electrostatic detection, a non-destructive technique.

Electronic Device Analysis Tool (EDAT): An Instrument for Identifying Electrostatic Charges

Straight Talkin' on ESDA: Electrostatic Detection Apparatus for Document Examination

Here's the lowdown on ESDA, short for Electrostatic Detection Apparatus. This contraption is a lifesaver in the world of forensics when it comes to document examination. It's bloody good at detecting hidden shit on paper.

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Introduction

ESDA, you got it, that's Electrostatic Detection Apparatus. It's a nifty little tool used to reveal invisible shit on paper, like words that were there but then rubbed out or hidden. Foster and Freeman, they're the manufacturers behind ESDA. The process ain't rocket science, but it's sure as shit useful in legal cases.

Also Read: *Instruments in Ink Analysis***

Working of ESDA

ESDA is made up of multiple components, including an ESDA machine, a double-stick tape surface, plastic film, a wand with a fine wire that's charged to 7 kV, and toner. Sounds like a mad scientist's lab, huh?

The ESDA process goes like this, kids:1. Place the document to be examined on a special sticky surface.2. Use the charged wand to apply an electrostatic charge to the document.3. Sprinkle toner over the charged document.4. The areas where writing or indentations existed become visible due to the shits stuck to them.5. Take a photo or scan of the show for further analysis.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:1. ESDA is non-destructive, meaning it doesn't hurt the original document.2. It can detect impressions up to 7 sheets beneath the page where you're trying to gather evidence.

Disadvantages:1. ESDA ain't good for examining loose shit like newspapers or glossy materials like magazine covers.2. If a document comes into contact with liquid, the shit will be destroyed.

References

  • Allen, M. (2015). Foundations of forensic document analysis: theory and practice. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Baier, P. E. (1983). 'Application of Experimental Variables to the Use of the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus'. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 28(4), pp. 901-910.
  • Barton, B. (1989). 'The use of an electrostatic detection apparatus to demonstrate the matching of torn paper edges'. Journal of the Forensic Science Society, 29(1), pp. 35-38.
  • Cheng, K., Chao, C., Jeng, B., & Lee, S. (1998). 'A new method of identifying writing sequence with the laser scanning confocal microscope'. Journal of Forensic Science, 43(2), pp. 348-352.
  • Daéid, N., Hayes, k., & Allen, m. (2008). 'Investigations into factors affecting the cascade developer used in ESDA-A review'. Forensic Science International, 181(1-3), pp. 1-9.
  • D'Andrea, F., Mazzella, W., Khanmy, A., & Margot, P. (1996). 'Effects of the Relative Humidity and Temperature on the Efficiency of the ESDA (Electrostatic Detection Apparatus) Process'. International Journal of Forensic Document Examiners, 2(3), pp. 209-213.
  • Ellen, D. (2006). Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Techniques (thirded.). Boca Raton, USA: Taylor and Francis Group.
  • Fatima, F. (2019). 'Handwriting Analysis from Individual Profiling to Forensic Questioned Document Examination'. International Journal for Electronic Crime Investigation, 3(1), pp. 13.
  • Foster, D., & Morantz, D. (1979). 'An electrostatic imaging technique for the detection of indented impressions in documents'. Forensic Science International, pp. 51-54.
  1. Forensic science plays a crucial role in crime investigation, and Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) is a significant tool in this field, particularly in document examination.
  2. The advancements in science and technology have paved the way for the creation of ESDA, a device that uses electrostatic charges to reveal hidden or rubbed-out writing on paper.

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