NCJ Number
192033
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1332-1341
Date Published
November 2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Coordinatively-unsaturated europium complexes constitute a straightforward means of visualizing latent prints by luminescence, because they are capable of direct reaction with the print components; in the current study, luminescent prints were obtained by use of the lanthanide shift reagent Eu(fod)3 on white photocopy paper, aluminum drink cans, and galvanized iron.
Abstract
The ultraviolet (UV) excitation of Eu(fod)3-treated prints, achieved by using a hand-held UV lamp or a Polilight resulted in an orange emission at 614 nm. Time-resolved imaging was not required for visualization. Visualization of latent fingerprints on paper under the conditions used, although good, was inferior to that obtained by standard DFO (1,8-diazafluoren-9-one) treatment; whereas, visualization of prints obtained on aluminum drink cans and galvanized iron proved superior to that obtained by Superglue/panacryl treatment. EU(fod)3 treatment can also be used first without compromising subsequent ninhydrin or DFO treatment, making it a useful reagent option. In addition to the investigation of alternative reagent delivery options, further work that may yield useful results could be an examination of other coordinatively-unsaturated complexes of europium, and investigation of analogous complexes of the other significantly luminescent lanthanide metal, i.e., terbium. 6 tables, 2 figures, and 28 references