ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1979
Page Count: 4

Laser Detection of Latent Fingerprints—Treatment with Phosphorescers
Menzel, ER
Member of the scientific staff, Xerox Research Centre of Canada, Ontario

(Received 17 October 1978; accepted 26 January 1979)

Abstract

Previous articles in this journal [1,2] have described the detection of latent fingerprints by argon-ion laser. Basically, the procedure involves illumination of the exhibit under scrutiny with the light from a continuous-wave argon-ion laser followed by observation and photography of the luminescence from the latent print. The luminescence can be inherent fingerprint luminescence, fluorescence arising from treatment of the print with fluorescers (fluorescent dusting powders or fluorescent dyes) [1–3], or fluorescence resulting from chemical treatment of latent prints. Such chemicals (fluorescamine, o-phthalaldehyde, p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde) react with fingerprint material in a manner analogous to ninhydrin to form fluorescent reaction products [2]. Thus, laser detection of latent prints takes on a wide range of applicability.

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Paper ID: JFS10872J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10872J
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