Criminalists in this area of expertise normally are holders of B.S. to Ph.D. degrees in a natural science.  These examiners analyze fibers, explosives, paints, gun shot residue and gunpowder residue samples. They use highly sophisticated instruments such as the scanning electron microscope, gas chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer, and Fourier Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR).