Abstract
The contemporary development of forensic technology necessitates the improvement of methods for recording and analyzing evidentiary information, particularly in the detection of latent traces that are not visible within the standard visible spectrum. A significant challenge remains the lack of standardized approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of full-spectrum imaging systems, which limits their widespread implementation in forensic and expert practice. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of modern global solutions in the field of full-spectrum, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging, to determine their technical characteristics, functional capabilities, advantages, and limitations, and to outline for the further development of these technologies in forensic science. The methodological basis of theresearch is based on general scientific and specialized methods, including analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization of the technical characteristics of forensic systems, as well as approaches to spectral image processing. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the systematization of the main classes of full-spectrum imaging technologies (FSIS, RUVIS, ALS, mobile multispectral systems, hyperspectral systems), the development of their classification based on architectural and functional criteria (level of integration of sensors and light sources, spectral range, and digital image processing algorithms), and the identification of their functional differences in the context of solving typical forensic tasks. The conclusions demonstrate that the integrated application of multispectral and hyperspectral technologies provides enhanced informational value in the detection of latent traces, biological fluids, gunshot residue, indications of document alterations, as well as in the analysis of micro-objects and materials with similar visual characteristics. It has been established that integrated full-spectrum systems ensure the most effective recording of traces due to the combination of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectral ranges with high spatial resolution. At the same time, it has been determined that the lack of standardized measurement protocols, the absence of unified criteria for assessing the quality of spectral data, and the complexity of result interpretation hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies in practical forensicapplications. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of optimizing the selection of technical tools for forensic investigations, improving technical visualization procedures in procedural activities, and enhancing the technical capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
References
Arrowhead Forensics. (n.d.). Full Spectrum Imaging System (FSIS). URL: https://arrowheadforensics.com (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Arrowhead Forensics. (n.d.). FSIS-II: Technical Specifications. URL: https://arrowheadforensics.com (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Bell S. (2013). Forensic Chemistry. Pearson New International Edition. Boston: Pearson. 632 p. [in English].
Bhargava A., Sachdera A., Sharma K., Alsharif M.H., Uthansakul P., Uthansakul M. (2024). Hyperspectral imaging and its applications: A review. Heliyon, 10(12), e33208. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024. e33208 [in English].
Edelman G.J., Gaston E., Leeuwen T.G., Cullen P.J., Aalders M.C.G. (2012). Hyperspectral imaging for non-contact analysis of forensic traces. Forensic Science International, 223, 28–39. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.09.012 [in English].
ForenScope. (n.d.). Multispectral Imaging Systems. URL: https://www.forenscope.com (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Foster + Freeman. (n.d.). Crime-lite X: Alternate Light Source. URL: https://www.fosterfreeman.com (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Foster + Freeman. (n.d.). VSC8000/HS Video Spectral Comparator. URL: https://www.fosterfreeman.com (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Miralles-Mosquera S., et al. (2022). Location of latent forensic traces using multispectral bands. Sensors, 22(23), 9142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22239142 [in English].
Projectina AG. (n.d.). Spectra Pro+ Document Examination System. URL: https://www.projectina.ch (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Sirchie. (n.d.). RUVIS Systems for Latent Print Detection. URL: https://www.sirchie.com (accessed: 10.02.2026) [in English].
Volobuiev A., Orlova T. (2025). Slidy kryminalnykh pravoporushen yak obiekty sudovoi ekspertyzy ta dzherela dokaziv [Traces of criminal offenses as objects of forensic examination and sources of evidence]. Criminalistics and Forensic Science, 70, 360–370. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33994/kndise.2025.70.27 [in Ukrainian].
Kovalenko A.V. (2024). Sudove doslidzhennia rechovykh dokaziv u kryminalnomu provadzhenni [Forensic examination of evidence in criminal proceedings]. Criminalistics and Forensic Science, 69, 194–207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33994/kndise.2024.69.18 [in Ukrainian].
Nazymko Ye.S., Kovalenko A.V. (2024). Suchasni kryminalistychni tekhnichni zasoby dokazuvannia u kryminalnomu provadzhenni: navchalno-metodychnyi posibnyk [Modern forensic technical means of proof in criminal proceedings: Teaching and methodological guide]. Kyiv: Alerta. 106 p. [in Ukrainian].
Savchuk T.I., Kostiukova T.S., Hretskykh I.A. (2020). Problemy ta perspektyvy sudovo-ekspertnoho doslidzhennia slidiv ruk [Problems and prospects of forensic examination of fingerprint traces]. Law and Safety, 3(78), 109–113. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32631/pb.2020.3.14 [in Ukrainian].
Stepaniuk R.L., Husieva V.O. (2024). Suchasni kryminalistychni zasoby ta metody protydii zlochynnosti: navchalnyi posibnyk [Modern forensic tools and methods for combating crime: Tutorial]. Ministerstvo vnutrishnikh sprav Ukrainy, Kharkivskyi natsionalnyi universytet vnutrishnikh sprav. Kharkiv: KhNUIA. 232 p. [in Ukrainian].