Advanced imaging technology being developed at Abertay University has the potential to change how police gather forensic evidence, according to a researcher student.

Keela Pikkarainen is investigating the capabilities of a new portable hyperspectral camera which can be used to analyse gunshot residue, age blood samples and determine whether documents such as cheques have been tampered with.

Combining reflectance spectroscopy with digital imaging, the SPECIM IQ camera uses 204 different wavelength bands to pick up information invisible to the human eye.

The technology weighs just 1.3kg, meaning it is portable enough to easily transport to a crime scene.

Ms Pikkarainen said the device has huge potential for gathering evidence, particularly as it is non-destructive.

"My work is looking at a number of possibilities, including use at crime scenes to screen for gunshot residue," she said.

"The current method involves chemicals which can be non-specific, give false positives and can also alter the pattern of the residue. This is vital because that's what is used to determine the sequence of events, such as where the shooter was standing in relation to the victim and the angle of the shot.

"Because it works like a normal camera it doesn't require any contact with gunshot residue, blood sample or any preparation, so there's no danger of harming the integrity of the evidence or contaminating it in any way.

"You would be able to go into a room, take an image and get the information right there and then."