The study of fluorescent chemicals for fingerprint development

The recovery of fingerprints from a crime scene is an important method of forensic evidence collection in the investigation of crime. The development of fluorescence chemicals in the detection of latent fingerprints on a nonporous surface has been studied. The properties of the aromatic chemicals, anthracene and naphthalene have been examined. UV light at a wavelength of 365 nm was used as a detector. The fingerprint development was evaluated by counting the resulting minutiae using automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS). The results showed good sensitivities only for anthracene. The effect of temperature on the fingerprints appearance was also studied. The latent fingerprint which was developed by anthracene was no longer observable at temperatures above 100 °C.