FORENSIC LIGHT
SOURCES
FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY
About West Technology & FoxFury
West Technology is the UK Formed in 1993 as a specialist vacuum engineering
company to provide custom-made medium and high
As part of the on-going development of our forensic
business, West Technology are pleased to announce
vacuum systems, West Technology rapidly developed our appointment as UK and European distributors
and European distributor for its business and within a few years established an
unrivalled reputation for innovative design and
for FoxFury.
FoxFury Forensic Light Sources manufacture of a broad range of custom
vacuum systems.
In 1996, the company was invited by a leading
establishment for forensic research and development
to take a fresh look at the vacuum metal deposition
(VMD) technique, in light of new process developments
and an outdated range of aging VMD systems that
could not meet the demands of the modern forensic
laboratory. This led to the introduction in 1998 of
West Technology’s VMD900 system, which quickly
became the standard system throughout the UK and
established the company in the forensic market. FoxFury, formed in 2003 in Vista, California (USA)
has already established itself as one of the leading
West Technology’s continued commitment to manufacturers of Forensic Light Sources in the United
improving their VMD systems, has led to many product States. They pride themselves on making unique,
innovations, including the launch of the compact high quality and powerful products.
VMD560CX in 2009 and most recently, the introduction
of the world’s first ever bench top VMD system – West Technology is committed to using our specialist
the VMD360. knowledge of vacuum technology and forensics,
to create new, exciting products for use by forensic
providers.
West Technology is an ISO9001 accredited company.
For general enquiries please call +44 (0)1454 329898
Email forensics@[Link] or visit [Link]
About West Technology Page 3
Forensic Light Sources
Crime scenes often contain a range of valuable evidence, including
biological fluids, fingermarks, hairs, fibres and firearm evidence. FoxFury lights have been created
to deliver an exceptional lighting
Many of these evidence types are invisible to the naked eye.
experience. The premium lights are
Forensic Light Sources (FLS) are essential to forensic professionals
built to be portable, durable and
to help detect evidence, illuminate the crime scene and perform used anytime, anywhere, including
comprehensive examinations. under water.
We offer a range of Forensic Light Sources and high Biological fluids like semen, saliva and urine are The evidence types given here are only a few of the
power lasers to help visualise and detect different naturally fluorescent. The use of a FLS offers crime items found in a day-to-day environment that will
types of evidence, from bodily fluids and bone/teeth
Fluorescence examination of crime scene personnel a unique method for locating these fluoresce. Numerous other materials and compounds
fragments to accelerants and narcotics. scenes and recovered exhibits will stains at the crime scene, without having to recover can be detected using FLS.
large items such as mattresses and carpets, and even
The primary application of a FLS is for enhancing the detect more fingermarks (and other allows the examination of fixed items.
The FoxFury forensic light range is specifically
detection of latent fingermarks. Although fingermark designed for use by forensic and emergency service
residues are inherently fluorescent when illuminated
types of forensic evidence) than visual Using an ordinary UV light will reveal biological fluids, professionals, suitable for the most demanding scene
with UV radiation, the introduction of fluorescent examination alone. but many articles on which you would find them (e.g. conditions. The use of high-intensity LEDs provide
chemical/powder processes greatly increased the clothing and bed sheets) will also glow, hindering more than adequate illumination to allow for the
types of surfaces from which latent fingermarks could evidence detection and imaging. Having a set of prompt search, detection and examination of forensic
be detected. FLS with a range of wavelengths available can help evidence.
A large portion of the incoming light from a FLS is not
eliminate this background interference, revealing the
When exposed to incoming light of a specific absorbed by the treated fingermarks but is scattered or
biological stain and leading scene investigators to
wavelength (from a FLS), energy is absorbed by certain reflected from the surface being examined. Therefore,
articles that may need further examination.
molecules present in treated fingermarks. Some of this it is necessary to use filters that transmit only the
absorbed energy is subsequently emitted as light of emitted fluorescence from the treated fingermarks and
a different (longer) wavelength. Illuminating a surface block all other sources of light.
with light in the UV, blue, green or yellow region of the
spectrum can excite this “fluorescence”, which typically
results in the emission of light in the yellow, orange,
red or infra-red (IR) regions.
Page 4 Forensic Light Sources Forensic Technology Page 5
Portable Forensic Laser Key Features
Affordable
Highly Durable
Powerful Made from high quality
Cordless aluminium – can withstand
physical impact and is
suitable for use underwater
The compact blue laser provides up to 9 W of 445 nm light for Anti-Roll Design
forensic searches up to 9 m way. The laser’s incredible power Cable Free & Handheld Rubber strips on the light
and portability enables it to perform faster, more effective Unlike other box lasers, this head prevent the laser
searches at crime scenes at much greater distances compared can be easily held in one from rolling off surfaces
hand allowing multi-tasking
to standard Forensic Light Sources.
Affordable and Compact Flexible Operation Innovative Design
Dimensions (L280 mm Can reveal a range of biological Instant start-up & cool down
x W50 mm) and trace evidence including; Operates silently
Extremely powerful – bodily fluids, bone, blood stains,
Hard anodized aluminium
2W/5W/9W hairs and fibres
housing
All the benefits of traditional Emits 445 nm accurate to ±3 nm
Multiple intensities
lasers but at a much more Speed up searches – detect
Anti-roll head
affordable price evidence 9 m away
Li-ion battery can be fully
Lightweight – 1.9 kg Fully submersible to 1 m
recharged in 4 hrs
Cordless for quick and easy Operates in extreme weather
searches -10 to 40 ºC Battery or Direct Drive
Requires no maintenance or Battery lasts for up to 2.5 hrs The laser can run on a
calibration
re-chargeable Li-ion
battery system or driven Multiple Intensities
directly by an AC source Power can be adjusted
to preserve battery life or
increase output for faster
searches
Safety Interlock
To prevent accidental
operation, a safety
interlock is required to
2W 5W 9W activate the laser
Page 6 Portable Forensic Laser Forensic Technology Page 7
Hammerhead Forensic Lights Key Features
Durable Highly Durable
Made from high quality
Extremely Lightweight aluminium – can withstand
Rechargeable physical impact and is
suitable for use underwater
The Hammerhead LED Forensic Light Source is ideal for crime Easy to Clean
scene searches up to 3 m away. Each light weighs just 245 g Anti-Roll Design Being fully waterproof
and features a diffused lens for shadow-free light distribution, Rectangular head means the Hammerhead
accurate to ±3 nm. prevents the light from can be easily cleaned and
rolling off surfaces disinfected after each use
They come in 7 single wavelengths (White, UV, Blue, Cyan,
Green, and IR) as well as 4 dual series lights.
Affordable and Compact Flexible Operation Innovative Design
Dimensions (L168 mm Can reveal a range of biological Innovative Design
x W38 mm) and trace evidence including; Instant start-up & cool down
Powerful dual LED – 4.5 W bodily fluids, bone, blood stains,
Operates silently
output hairs and fibres
Hard anodized aluminium
Extremely lightweight – 245 g Wavelength accurate to ±3 nm
housing
Cost effective Speed up searches – detect
Multiple intensities
evidence 3 m away
Cordless for quick and easy Rectangular anti-roll head
searches Fully submersible to 3 m Re-Chargeable Batteries
Runs on 3x CR123 Lithium
Battery can last for up to 6 hrs Operates in extreme weather –
batteries or 2x rechargeable The Hammerhead can run
10 to 149 ºC (Fire resistant)
Available individually or as a kit RCR123 Li-ion batteries on 2x re-chargeable RCR123
Li-ion batteries
Dual Intensities
Low and high modes so
that the user can better
visualise evidence and Diffused Lens
document findings Provides a smooth, shadow-
White UV 350-395 nm Blue 420-470 nm
free light distribution,
accurate to ± 3 nm
Cyan 450-495 nm Green 495-535 nm Infrared 850 nm
Page 8 Hammerhead Forensic Lights Forensic Technology Page 9
Crime Scene Floodlights Key Features
Cordless
Lightweight
Quick to Deploy
3 Lights in 1
Converts from an area light
to spotlight to 360° scene Multiple Intensities
The lightweight, rechargeable Nomad LED floodlights can be light in seconds Power can be adjusted
deployed in 20 seconds and can illuminate the crime scene for to preserve battery life or
increase output for faster
up to 24 hrs. The self-contained lights are weather proof and can
searches
be fully submerged in water. Nomads are available in a range of
different wavelengths (White, UV, Blue, Cyan, Green, and IR) to Adjustable Height
allow quick forensic searches. Telescopic head extends
up to 3.8 m tall to deliver Self-Contained Design
overhead lighting that does Lightweight, compact
not blind the user and easy to transport,
Nomad Prime Nomad 360 Nomad Transformer the Nomad stows into its
4,000 Lumens 7,000 Lumens 14,000 Lumens compact tube base
Lightweight – 8 kg 360º / 120º Area light or Operates silently
Battery can last for up to 24 hrs 12º spotlight Extended height 3.8 m Rechargeable Battery
20 seconds deployment Deploys in seconds Ni-MH rechargeable battery
Extended height 2.4 m system Li-ion battery system can
4 Modes – low, medium, high
and strobe Weighs 11 kg 60 seconds deployment run up to 24 hrs and can be
120º Area light or 8º spotlight All weather and waterproof 27.9 kg – comes with carry case run/charged from an AC/DC Battery Life Indicator
Extended height 2.4 m No warm up or cool down power source or vehicle Keep track of when the
required
battery is low and needs
recharging
Adjustable Tripod
Easy deployment on uneven
terrain. In severe wind, a D-ring
at the base of the unit allows a
weight to be attached
Page 10 Crime Scene Floodlights Forensic Technology Page 11
Forensic Light Sources
MF
Powerful all-in-one LED light source
Multi wavelength LED FLS for searches up to 6 m away.
Powerful and rechargeable, the MF comes equipped
with blue (470 nm), cyan (495 nm), green (525 nm),
IR (850 nm) and white LEDs. Its power and portability
enables it to perform faster searches at greater
distances.
Also available in the following single wavelengths:
UV 365 nm, blue 470 nm, cyan 495 nm, green 525 nm
and IR 850 nm.
Scout
Compact FLS for close range inspections
Pocket sized LED light source for quick searches up to
1 m away. This light is waterproof, impact resistant and
is accurate to ±3 nm. Runs on 3 AAA batteries and can
be worn using the clip provided for easy accessibility.
Available in the following single wavelengths:
UV 395 nm, blue 450/470 nm, cyan 495 nm,
green 525 nm and IR 850 nm.
Rook
Lightweight light source for lab
and field use
Extremely lightweight and portable LED FLS for
searches up to 2.6 m away. A diffuser lens provides a
smooth, shadow-free light distribution. The Rook has
a square anti-roll head and can be used underwater.
It runs on either two lithium batteries or one
rechargeable battery.
Available in the following single and dual wavelengths:
UV 365 nm, (dual) UV 380 + 395 nm, blue 470 nm and
(dual) blue 450 + 470 nm.
For more information, please call +44 (0)1454 329898
Email forensics@[Link] or visit [Link]