Detection of Latent Fingerprint by Mapping Method Utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer

Abstract

  The detection of latent fingerprints by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic mapping method was investigated. The fingerprint attached on an aluminum plate was measured by the reflection spectroscopy at 100 μm square units. Mapping was conducted to utilize the absorbance area of lipid peak (C-H stretching) at 2,750cm^-1 and 3,050cm^-1 in each measurement. Although this method was time consuming to measure even the narrow surface on aluminum plate, it was possible to reconstruct a clear picture of latent fingerprints. However, application of this method to latent fingerprints on non-flat surface was difficult.