Synchrotron-based FTIR spectromicroscopy has been used to characterize and analyze latent human fingerprints. Fingerprints are an important part of the forensic arsenal, but are coming under increased legal scrutiny due to their apparent lack of statistical proof of their uniqueness. Also, various reports indicate that the latent fingerprints of pre-pubescent children disappear from detectable surfaces much faster than those of adults. Samples are being obtained from 160 individuals -- adults, adolescents and children. Using synchrotron-based FTIR-SM the fingerprints are being examined, characterized and studied for a wide variety of compounds, and with the aim of being able to distinguish between children and adults, and ultimately, between individuals.
Back to Poster Session