NCJ Number
174939
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 6 Dated: November 1997 Pages: 997-1003
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a lipid-specific, lanthanide-based method of latent fingerprint detection; its use to detect fingerprints on currency; and its role in detecting counterfeiting by distinguishing between fingerprints placed on the paper before and after the ink deposition.
Abstract
The lanthanides are a subset of the rare earth elements; their emission of light has been of interest for a long time in many scientific and technical fields. The lanthanide-based method was used to test samples designed to simulate counterfeiting. Most of the research has been confined to fresh fingerprints due to financial constraints. However, preliminary studies with fingerprints older than 2 or 3 days have revealed that fingerprint detail smudges out and luminescence intensity decreases. This aging problem does not occur with fingerprints on smooth surfaces or with fingerprints on the sticky side of adhesive tape. The methodology used is promising and deserves further study, although it has not progressed to the point where it can be used in routine casework, particularly with older latent fingerprints. Figures, photographs, and 18 references (Author abstract modified)