What is the function of a comparison microscope in forensic analysis?

The function of a comparison microscope in forensic analysis is to enable the simultaneous examination of two separate samples side by side. This capability is crucial in forensic work, as it allows forensic analysts to carefully observe and compare minute details between the samples, which can be essential for identifying similarities or discrepancies.

For instance, in cases involving firearms, a comparison microscope can be used to examine bullet striations or cartridge case markings from two different firearms. This direct comparison helps forensic experts make determinations about whether a particular firearm could have fired a specific bullet or casing, lending strong support to forensic conclusions.

The design of the comparison microscope, which typically features two optical paths connected to a single eyepiece, facilitates this side-by-side comparison, making it an invaluable tool in forensic science.