QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN FORENSIC MEDICINE:A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FT-IR, GC-MS, AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract

This paper discusses how qualitative methods of analysis have played a critical role in the development of forensic evidence science. The study will offer a comparative study of three of the most vital modern technologies: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and Raman Spectroscopy. The paper will explore the physicochemical principles of each method, their ability to detect unknown substances such as narcotics, toxins, and explosive residues, and their strengths and weaknesses in comparison with each other regarding speed, sensitivity, and non-destructive analysis. Results show that integrative multi-technique method can severely decrease the error rates in analysis and increase the credibility of forensic evidence in a court. The research finds that no technique has been found to be universally better and that cross-validation between the techniques is necessary to achieve internationally accredited forensic quality standards