Fluorescence imaging of latent fingerprints with a cooled charge-coupled-device detector

Robert S. Pomeroy, Mark E. Baker, David A. Radspinner, M. B. Denton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Images of fluorescently tagged latent fingerprints were obtained using a low power source and a scientifically operated charge-coupled device (CCD) detector. The luminescence of the fingerprints is chemically enhanced with a fluorescent tag, orthophthalaldehyde. The orthophthalaldehyde undergoes a Schiff base reaction with phenyl ring containing amino acids to produce fluorescence emission at ≈446 nm under UV illumination. An inexpensive, portable, low power UV source was constructed utilizing two 4-watt UV fluorescent lamps and appropriate filters. In the past, the use of filtered lamp sources resulted in an appreciable loss in sensitivity compared to laser sources. Preliminary investigations into the use of a low power tungsten filament lamp source for the excitation of NBD chloride tagged fingerprint on paper were also conducted. Sensitive detection by way of a CCD eliminates the need for the use of expensive, high power laser sources in field instruments and provides a wide range of additional advantages over photographic film.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherPubl by Int Soc for Optical Engineering
Pages60-65
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)0819405299
StatePublished - 1992
EventInternational Conference on Scientific Optical Imaging - Georgetown, WA, USA
Duration: Nov 28 1990Dec 1 1990

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1439
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherInternational Conference on Scientific Optical Imaging
CityGeorgetown, WA, USA
Period11/28/9012/1/90

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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