ABSTRACT
Microscopy was an extremely useful tool for evaluating the physical properties of the tattoo inks. By examining the tattoo inks using bright eld and dark eld microscopic techniques, information concerning the uniformity and pigment distribution within the inks was able to be ascertained. It is highly recommended that any examination concerning tattoo inks and pigments (even paints and inks, in general) begin with a thorough microscopic examination, beginning with stereomicroscopy, followed by bright eld and dark eld microscopy methods, and polarized light microscopy of the pigment particles. Further analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy (S-TEM) may also be useful in disclosing characteristics of the particles. Examination of the pigment particles can disclose additional information including particle size, crystal morphology (forms) and class, and optical data such as (relative) RIs, birefringence, extinction characteristics, and so on.
