Analysis of Latent Fingerprint Deposits by Infrared Microspectroscopy

Abstract

We report the use of infrared (IR) microspectroscopy for the analysis of fingerprint residues. The advantage of using an IR microscope lies in the ability to visualize and obtain spectra of individual particles and droplets that make up fingerprint ridge deposits at a spatial resolution of approximately 10 microm. Our initial results suggest that infrared microspectroscopy in reflection-absorption mode provides reproducible spectral analysis of fingerprint residue. Since infrared microspectroscopy is nondestructive to the sample, we will be able to study the changes in fingerprint ridge deposits as a function of time. The method holds promise for probing the difference between latent fingerprints of adults and children.

Friction of the Human Finger Pad: Influence of Moisture, Occlusion and Velocity

“…This was proposed by Skedung et al [64] to explain the non-stationarity in their finger/paper stroking data on the basis that the lubricious material is lipids. However, the secretions from eccrine sweat glands on the finger pad are 98-99% water and do not contain lipids [68,69]. Any lipids present usually result from contamination by material that has been transferred through touching those body sites covered with secretions from apocrine and sebaceous glands that do contain lipids [70].…”

Spectroscopic Imaging of Latent Fingermarks Collected with the Aid of a Gelatin Tape

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7][8] The application of ATR-FT-IR imaging for the study of the chemical composition of various residues contained in adult fingerprints was demonstrated by Ricci et al 9 At crime scenes, marks developed on textured or patterned backgrounds may be difficult to visualize in situ, and therefore, it may be desirable to collect fingermarks from crime scenes so that they can be transported for further examination in a laboratory or in a fingerprint bureau. Traditionally, many fingermarks are developed at crime scenes by powdering (e.g., with aluminum flake powder) and are recovered for subsequent evaluation by lifting them from the surface on clear adhesive tape.…”

Identification of Recently Handled Materials by Analysis of Latent Human Fingerprints Using Infrared Spectromicroscopy

“…4 More recently, use of infrared spectromicroscopy in analyzing fingerprint residue was found to be an effective way to study chemical differences in the ridges of latent fingerprints with eccrine and sebaceous materials. 5 Use of synchrotron-based infrared spectromicroscopy has also been demonstrated for fingerprints 6 and forensic studies in general. 7 In the present study we explore a different aspect of fingerprint analysis, the feasibility of identifying trace residual substances left in the fingerprint of a subject who had recently been handling those substances.…”