National Center for Forensic Science
A program of the National Institute of Justice hosted by the
University of Central Florida
 Forensic Resource Network  

 
   

Physical Evidence

Physical Evidence Mission:
Current Research Projects:
Recent Publications:
Recent Presentations:

Michael Sigman
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Assistant Director for Physical Evidence, National Center for Forensic Science

Email: msigman@mail.ucf.edu

Biography:

Michael Sigman studied chemistry at Southwest Missouri State University, receiving a B.S. degree in 1982. His doctoral research in physical organic chemistry was undertaken at Florida State University. In 1986 he moved to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, as an NIH postdoctoral fellow, and then moved to the University of Chicago in 1987 for two additional years of NIH postdoctoral work in photochemistry and laser spectroscopy. In 1989, he was hired as a research scientist at Dow Chemical Co. in Midland, MI. One year later, Dr. Sigman accepted a research staff position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. At Oak Ridge, he spent 12 years conducting research in areas ranging from environmental photochemistry explosives analysis. In 2002, Dr. Sigman moved to the University of Central Florida and the National Center for Forensic Science to become an Associate Professor of Chemistry and the Assistant Director for Physical Evidence. In 1997, Dr. Sigman was the recipient of an R&D-100 Award for the development of a new air-sampling adsorbent. He has served on numerous review/advisory panels and in 2002, Dr. Sigman served as the Chemical Threat Group Chair for Department of Energy workshop on “Basic Research Needs for Countering Terrorism”.

Physical Evidence Mission:

Physical Evidence Research at the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) is focused on the analysis of non-biological trace evidence (ignitable liquids, explosives, fiber evidence, glass, etc.). We look to the community of experts in the various areas of physical evidence to determine their needs and to help us prioritize our research based on the needs of the community.

The Physical Evidence Research group is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection (ILRC) and online database in collaboration with the Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosion (TWGEEX-an organization comprised of investigators and laboratory analysts involved in the investigations of fires and explosions). These research projects utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation, including liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), scanning electron microscopy, capillary electrophoresis (CE), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and modern computational methods.

While our emphasis is on solutions to applied problems in forensic science, we recognize that future developments are highly dependant on an increased understanding of fundamental aspects of chemistry, resulting in some fundamental investigations of an academic nature.

Current Research Projects:

Fire Debris/Ignitable Liquids Analysis:

Evaluation of Fire Debris Evidence Containers: A study of the leak rates of containers commonly used in fire debris analysis has recently been completed. Results of the study, which will appear in the Journal of Forensic Sciences in June 2007, demonstrate that properly sealed polymer evidence bags show little or no leakage, while commercial paint cans and glass jars with compression fittings exhibit leaking of hydrocarbon vapors. This research was supported by State of Florida Type II Research Center funds.

Improved Fire Debris Data Analysis Methods: Research at NCFS, supported by State of Florida Type II Research Center funds, demonstrated the use of covariance mapping as a method potentially discriminating between complex mixtures of the type comprising commercial ignitable liquids and commonly analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Under funding from the National Institute of Justice - Office of Justice Programs (award 2005-MU-MU-K004), it has subsequently been demonstrated that the covariance mapping approach, couple with a simple statistical analysis, can be employed to successfully discriminate between un evaporated gasoline samples. The use of improved data analysis methods is being expanded under this funding to develop an advanced database searching method to assist fire debris analysts in rapid identification of potential ignitable liquid sources in suspected arson cases. This research project constitutes a Forensic Resource Network contribution from NCFS.

Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection and Database: NCFS maintains an online database of GC-MS data for commercially available ignitable liquids commonly used in arson cases. The data base is produced in collaboration with the Technical Working Group for Fire and Explosions (TWGFEX). The database is accessed free-of-charge by fire debris analysts from around the world as a routine part of their casework. If an analyst needs to obtain a reference sample of a database entry, the sample can be ordered from NCFS at a minimal fee to cover handling and shipping.

Explosives Analysis:

Analysis of Peroxide Explosives: Research at NCFS, supported by State of Florida Type II Research Center funds, has provided a method for the analysis of tri acetone tri peroxide (TATP) by GC-MS. The method allows for the analysis of this peroxide-based explosive with instrumentation commonly available in forensic laboratories and provides for detection limits in the picogram range. Current research, funded by the National Institute of Justice - Office of Justice Programs (award 2006-DN-BX-K009), is investigating the determination of synthetic route and source material identification from trace impurity analysis of TATP samples.

Two Dimensional Correlation Mass Spectrometry: The technique of two dimensional correlation mass spectrometry (2D-CMS) based on collision induced decomposition energy and resonance excitation time perturbations has been applied to the analysis of fragmentation pathways for explosives and explosives-related compounds in an ion trap mass spectrometer. The method holds promise for the development of improved forensic analysis techniques.

Fiber Analysis:

Transferable Fiber Census: NCFS is partnering with The West Virginia Forensic Science Initiative (WVU-FSI), a Forensic Resource Network member, to conduct a census of the transferable fiber population across the United States. The census will categorize the transferable fiber population based on fiber type and color. Results from the census will be analyzed for possible regional and seasonal variations and the data will be made available online to assist forensic fiber analysts to interpret the statistical significance of fiber trace evidence. The UCF contribution to this Forensic Resource Network project is funded by the National Institute of Justice - Office of Justice Programs (award 2005-MU-MU-K004).

Fiber Dye Analysis by LC-MS: Fiber trace evidence often plays an important role in criminal cases. Individualization of fibers and the discrimination between questioned and known samples is facilitated by a molecular-level analysis of the fiber dye composition. Liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS), coupled via an electro spray interface provides a highly sensitive analytical method to discriminate between dyes. Molecular structure information is far more discriminating than UV-visible absorption techniques, where broad Franck Condon envelopes are typically observed for large organic dyes. This research was supported by State of Florida Type II Research Center funds.

Analysis of Glass and Paint:

Glass Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): LIBS potentially offers a relatively inexpensive elemental analysis methodology to facilitate forensic analysis of glass samples. An investigation of the use of 1064 nm single nanosecond pulse LIBS for the analysis of glass samples has been conducted at NCFS. Some glass samples, float glass in particular, were not found to be highly discriminated based on single-pulse LIBS data alone. Use of LIBS spectra in combination with refractive index measurements was found to provide a higher level of discrimination; however, laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was found to provide a higher degree of glass discrimination. Research into the use of shorter wavelengths and multiple pulse techniques may provide higher discrimination capabilities for glass analysis. The research at UCF was conducted under funding by the National Institute of Justice - Office of Justice Programs (award 2004-IJ-CX-K031).

Automobile Paint Analysis by LIBS: LIBS is currently being investigated by NCFS as a potential method for the analysis of automobile and structural paints. This is an ongoing study and initial results are awaiting peer-review. This research is being conducted under funding by the National Institute of Justice - Office of Justice Programs (award 2006-DN-BX-K251).

Other Physical Evidence Projects:

Location of Human Remains by a Controlled Biological System: Trained cadaver dogs provide a valuable service to the forensic and law enforcement communities. The dog's evolved sensory system coupled with adaptable on-board data processing are a tough combination to reproduce with mechanical sensor systems; however, other controlled biological systems offer similar capabilities. The Bee Alert program at the University of Montana specialized in the use of bees as a controlled biological system that can be rapidly trained and deployed. UCF is partnering with the Bee Alert program to test the trainability and performance of bees in the location of a deceased human surrogate. This Forensic Resource Network project is funded by the National Institute of Justice - Office of Justice Programs (award 2005-MU-MU-K004).

Recent Publications:

  1. Min Huang, Jehuda Yinon, and Michael E. Sigman* “Forensic Identification of Dyes Extracted from Textile Fibers by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS),” J. Forensic Sci. 2004, 49(2), 238-249.
  2. R. A. Gardner, J.-G. Delcros, F. Konate, F. Breitbeil III, B. Martin, M. Sigman, M. Huang, and O. Phanstiel* IV “N1-Substituent Effects in the Selective Delivery of Polyamine-Conjugates into Cells Containing Active Polyamine Transporters,” J. Med. Chem. 2004, 47(24), 6055-6059.
  3. M. R. Williams, D. Fernandes, C. Bridge, D. Dorrien, S. Elliot and M. Sigman* “Adsorption Saturation and Chromatographic Distortion Effects on Passive Headspace Sampling with Activated Charcoal in Fire Debris Analysis,” J. Forensic Sci. 2005, 50(2), 316-325.
  4. M. Huang, R. Russo, B. G. Fookes and M. E. Sigman* “Analysis of Fiber Dyes by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) with Electrospray Ionization: Discriminating Between Dyes with Indistinguishable UV-Visible Absorption Spectra,” J. Forensic Sci 2005, 50(3), 526-534.
  5. M. E. Sigman,* P. Armstrong, J. M. MacInnis, M. Williams “The Equilibrium Partitioning Model Applied to RDX-Halide Complex Formation in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry,” Anal. Chem., 2005, 77, 7434 - 7441.
  6. M. E. Sigman,* C. D. Clark, “2D Correlation Spectroscopy Techniques Applied to Ion Trap MS/MS Analysis: Nitroaromatics.” Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom., 2005, 19, 3731 - 3726.
  7. M. E. Sigman*, P. Armstrong “Analysis of Oxidizer Salt Mixtures by ESI-MS,” Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom., 2006, 20, 427 - 432.
  8. M. E. Sigman,* M. Williams “Covariance Mapping in the Analysis of Ignitable Liquids by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry,” Anal. Chem., 2006, 78, 1713 - 1718.
  9. Bridge, C. M.; Powell, J.; Vomvoris, K. L.; MacInnis, J. M.; Williams, M. R.; Sigman*, M. E. “Characterization of Automobile Float Glass with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS),” Applied Spectroscopy, 2006, 60(10), 1181-1187.
  10. M. E. Sigman*, C. Douglas Clark, R. Fidler, C. L. Geiger and C. A. Clausen “Analysis of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) by GC-MS and GC-MS/MS By Electron and Chemical Ionization,” Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2006, 20, 2851-2857.
  11. M. R. Williams, M. E. Sigman “Performance Testing of Commercial Containers for Collection and Storage of Fire Debris Evidence,” Journal of Forensic Science, 2007, 52(3), 579.
  12. M. E. Sigman,* M. R.Williams, and R. G. Ivy “Comparative Analysis of Gasolines by Covariance Mapping and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry,” Anal. Chem. in press 2007.

Recent Presentations:

  1. Huang*, M.; Yinon, Y.; Sigman, M. E. “Forensic Identification of Dyes Extracted from Textile Fibers by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS),” American Academy of Forensic Science 55th National Meeting, Chicago, IL, Feb. 18-23, 2003.
  2. M. Sigman and R. H. Ilgner, “Thermal Desorption GC/MS Analysis of Organic Explosives,” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies, October 20, 2003, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
  3. Min Huang, Michael Sigman, “Fiber Dye Identification by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS),” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies, October 20, 2003, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
  4. M. Sigman, “Accelerants and Explosives Research at NCFS,” Technical Working Group on Fire and Explosion Annual Meeting, November 17, 2003, Orlando, FL.
  5. M. Sigman and R. H. Ilgner, “Analysis of Organic Explosives by Thermal Desorption GC/MS,” Florida American Chemical Society Meeting, May 8, 2003, Orlando, FL.
  6. M. R. Williams, D. Fernandez and M. E. Sigman “Performance Testing of Commercial Containers for Collection and Storage of Fire Debris Evidence,” American Academy of Forensic Science 56th Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, February 16-21, 2004.
  7. M. Huang, J. Yinon and M. E. Sigman “Fiber Dye Identification by High Performance Liquid Chromatography B Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS),” American Academy of Forensic Science 56th Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, February 16-21, 2004.
  8. A. Gapeev, J. Yinon and M. E. Sigman “LC/MS of Explosives: RDX Characterization Through Impurity Profiles,” American Academy of Forensic Science 56th Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, February 16-21, 2004.
  9. M. E. Sigman, A. Gapeev, R. H. Ilgner “Matrix Effects on Explosives Recovery and Detection,” American Academy of Forensic Science 56th Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, February 16-21, 2004.
  10. M. R. Williams, D. Fernandes, C. Bridge, D. Dorrien, S. Elliott, M. E. Sigman “Adsorption Saturation and Chromatographic Distortion Effects on Passive Headspace Sampling with Activated Charcoal in Fire Debris Analysis,” American Academy of Forensic Science 57th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, February 21-26, 2005.
  11. M. E. Sigman, M. Huang, B. Hornsby “Evaluation of Solvent Systems and Mobile Phases for the Extraction and Identification of Fiber Dyes by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS),” American Academy of Forensic Science 57th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, February 21-26, 2005.
  12. M. E. Sigman, M. R. Williams, D. Fernandes “Reliability Testing of Commercial Containers for Fire Debris Evidence STorage,” American Academy of Forensic Science 57th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, February 21-26, 2005.
  13. M. E. Sigman “Silent Witness: Evidence That Does Not Forget,” University of Central Florida LIFE Presentation, March 1, 2005, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
  14. M. E. Sigman “Physical Evidence Research at the National Center for Forensic Science,” Forensic Resource Network – Crime Laboratory Improvement Program National Conference, September 20-22, 2004, Tampa, FL.
  15. M. E. Sigman, M. Huang “Forensic Fiber Dye Analysis by LC-MS,” 31st Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Portland, OR, October 3-7, 2004.
  16. A. Campiglia, M. Sigman “Application of Fluorescence Line Narrowing Spectroscopy to Forensic Fiber Examination,” 31st Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Portland, OR, October 3-7, 2004.
  17. M. Williams, M. E. Sigman “Activated Carbon Saturation and Chromatographic Distortion in Fire Debris Analysis”, Florida American Chemical Society Meeting, May 5-8, 2005, Orlando, FL.
  18. D. Dorrien, M. E. Sigman “Analytical Approaches to Fiber Analysis for A Forensic Fiber Database,” Florida American Chemical Society Meeting, May 5-8, 2005, Orlando, FL.
  19. M. E. Sigman “The Equilibrium Partitioning Model Applied to RDX-Halide Adduct Formation in ESI-MS,” 230th American Chemical Society National Meeting, August 28 – September 1, 2005, Washington, D.C.
  20. Katie L. Vomvoris; Candice Bridge; Zachary M. Parker; Jean MacInnis; Michael Sigman “The Analysis of Commercial Blasting Agents by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), With Emphasis on Methods for Heterogeneous Samples” AAFS 58th Annual Meeting, February 20-25, 2006, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, Washington.
  21. Derek M. Dorrien; Michael Sigman “Single Fiber Dye Analysis by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) With SWGMAT Dye Extraction Protocol” AAFS 58th Annual Meeting, February 20-25, 2006, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, Washington.
  22. Michael E. Sigman; Mary Williams “Covariance Mapping as an Aid to Ignitable Liquids Classification and Rapid Database Searching” AAFS 58th Annual Meeting, February 20-25, 2006, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, Washington.
  23. Candice M. Bridge; Joseph Powell; Katie Vomvoris; Jean MacInnis; Michael E. Sigman, “Characterization of Automobile Float Glass With Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)” AAFS 58th Annual Meeting, February 20-25, 2006, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, Washington.
  24. Candice M. Bridge; Joseph Powell; Katie Vomvoris; Jean MacInnis; Michael E. Sigman, “Characterization of Automobile Float Glass With Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS),” Florida American Chemical Society Meeting (FAME 2006) , May 11-13, 2006,Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, Orlando, FL.
  25. Michael E. Sigman, Mary Williams “Comparative Analysis of Complex Mixtures by Covariance Mapping”, Florida American Chemical Society Meeting (FAME 2006) , May 11-13, 2006,Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, Orlando, FL.
  26. Kristi George, Julie Bitter and Michael E. Sigman “Explosive Recovery Off of Solid Matrices Over Time,” Florida American Chemical Society Meeting (FAME 2006) , May 11-13, 2006,Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, Orlando, FL.
  27. Katie L. Steele, Candice M. Bridge and Michael E. Sigman “The analysis of Commercial Blasting Agents By Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), with Emphasis on Methods for Heterogeneous Samples,” Florida American Chemical Society Meeting (FAME 2006) , May 11-13, 2006,Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, Orlando, FL.
  28. Mary R. Williams, Rebecca Ivy and Michael E. Sigman “Covariance Mapping in the Analysis of Ignitable Liquids by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.” Florida American Chemical Society Meeting (FAME 2006) , May 11-13, 2006,Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, Orlando, FL.
  29. Sigman, M.E., Bridge, C., Steele, K., MacInnis, J. M “Forensic Applications of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: Comparative Glass Analysis,” LIBS 2006, Montreal, Canada, September 5-8, 2006.
  30. Julie Bitter , Kristi George, C. Douglas Clark and Michael E. Sigman “Explosives Recovery Off of Solid Matrices Over Time,” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Orlando, FL , September 24-28, 2006.
  31. C. Douglas Clark and Michael E. Sigman “Optimized Analysis of Triacetone Triperoxide by GC-MS,” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Orlando, FL , September 24-28, 2006.
  32. Candice Bridge Michael E. Sigman, Joseph Powell, Katie Steele, Jean MacInnis, and Mary Williams “Glass Sample Discrimination by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS),” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Orlando, FL , September 24-28, 2006.
  33. Katie Steele, Michael E. Sigman, Candice Bridge, Jean MacInnis, and Zach Parker “The Analysis of Commercial Blasting Agents by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy(LIBS), With Empasis on Methods for Heterogeneous Samples,” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Orlando, FL , September 24-28, 2006.
  34. Derek Dorrien and Michael E. Sigman “Single Fiber Dye Analysis by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) With SWGMAT Dye Extraction Protocols,” Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Meeting, Orlando, FL , September 24-28, 2006.
  35. M. E. Sigman, M Williams, R Ivy, J Castelbono, “New Approaches to Interpreting Fire Debris Analysis Data,” Technical Working Group for Fire and Explosions (TWGFEX) Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, Nov. 29, 2006.
  36. M. E. Sigman “Characterization of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) Synthetic By-Products for Source and Route Determination,” NIJ 2007 General Forensics R&D Grantees Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 20, 2007.
  37. Erin McIntee, Candice Bridge, Lt. Joseph Powell† and Michael E. Sigman* “Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy to Forensic Science: Analysis of Paint Samples,” NIJ 2007 General Forensics R&D Grantees Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 20, 2007.
  38. M. E. Sigman, Katie L. Steele, Charles D. Clark, “Discrimination of C-4 Plastic Explosives by GC/MS Analysis of Impurities Associated with the Manufacturing Process of RDX,” American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 19-24, 2007.
  39. M. E. Sigman, Candice M. Bridge, “Glass Sample Discrimination by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS),” American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 19-24, 2007.
  40. M. E. Sigman, Douglas Clark, “Optimized Analysis of Triacetone Triperoxide by GC/MS,” American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 19-24, 2007.
  41. Mary R. Williams, M. E. Sigman, Rebecca G. Ivy, “Individualization of Gasoline by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Covariance Mapping,” American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 19-24, 2007.

This page is maintained by
David Galat dgalat@mail.ucf.edu
Last update: January 9, 2008

Free Hit Counters
stats counter