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Which portable light source and reagent reveal the most latent prints?

February 14th, 2012

A study comparing the fingermark detection capabilities of laser and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources has just been released in the technology evaluations section of NFSTC’s website. The study, which examines the performance of three lasers and an LED light source with three chemical reagents, was also published in the latest issue of IAI’s Journal of Forensic Identification.

The light sources used in the study were Coherent TracER lasers operating at 460 nm, 532 nm and 577 nm and the Rofin Polilight Flare Plus LED operating at 505 nm. The three chemical reagents investigated for their ability to enhance latent prints under these light sources were indanedione, genipin and lawsone. Which light source and reagent combination revealed the most latent prints? Download the technology evaluation report to find out.

To download other reports, visit NFSTC’s Technology Evaluations main page, or jump directly to the Biology & DNA, Chemistry and Crime Scene Investigation pages.

This study was funded by NIJ through the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence operated by NFSTC.

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