ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Laser Detection of Latent Fingerprints: Difficult Surfaces
Roland Menzel, E
Director, Center for Forensic Studies, Texas Tech University, TX

Burt, JA
Laboratory assistant, Texas Tech University, TX

(Received 6 August 1984; accepted 24 September 1984)

Abstract

Fingerprint development techniques that use blue-green laser light suffer from high background fluorescence on substrates such as cardboard, wood, leather, and some metals and plastics. These substrates tend to exhibit little or no fluorescence under ultraviolet light, prompting us to search for procedures that yield visible fluorescence under this illumination. Specifically, chemical development with dansyl chloride and vapor staining with 9-methylanthracene were found to be useful when dealing with these substrates. Fluorescence excitation was possible either with an ultraviolet lamp or an argon-ion laser operating in the ultraviolet. Coumarin 535 vapor staining following 9-methylanthracene staining was also found effective.

Keywords:
criminalistics, fingerprints, lasers, ultraviolet, dansyl chloride, 9-methylanthracene, coumarin 535

Paper ID: JFS11815J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11815J
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