Study of Vis-NIR and NIR spectral data of black inkjet prints using principal component analysis for forensic discrimination

Abstract

The aim of this work was to prepare spectral data for principal component analysis and to examine 19 samples of six different brands. Samples consisted of the same type of office paper with black areas printed in black ink only. The spectral data were acquired by fibre optics reflection spectroscopy in Vis-NIR and only NIR (Vis-NIR FORS) directly on paper. The black inkjet-printed samples were analysed with regard to the forensic analysis of documents. The method used is based on the combination of molecular spectroscopy in the visible (Vis) and near infrared region (NIR) combined with a chemometric method, – principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA method divides the inkjet inks sample into clusters. It was found out that by a combination of spectrum pre-processing methods and principal component analysis, it is possible to separate inks containing carbon black from the other inks using other organic colourants. This method appears to be a useful tool for forensic examination of printed documents containing inkjet inks. Spectra of inkjet inks were acquired without any destructive or invasive procedure, for example cutting sample or for extraction with the possibility to measure out of the laboratory.