Cigarette paper as evidence: Forensic profiling using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms.

This research highlights the underestimated significance of cigarette paper as evidence at crime scenes. The primary objective is to distinguish cigarette paper from similar-looking alternatives, addressing the first research objective. The second objective involves identifying cigarette paper brands using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and machine learning (ML) algorithms. Accurate differentiation of cigarette paper from normal paper is emphasized. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction, is employed for brand identification. Among fifteen ML algorithms compared, the CatBoost classifier excels for both objectives. This research presents a non-destructive, effective method for studying cigarette paper, contributing valuable insights to crime scene investigations. [Display omitted] • Forensic evaluation of cigarette paper utilizing ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Machine learning algorithms. • Peak characterization and differentiation-distinguishing cigarette paper from other types. • Machine learning algorithm comparison: assessing discrimination across nine cigarette brands. • External validation of the dominant algorithm using unknown samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]