logo

Detection and Identification of Contaminants in Fingerprints Using Infrared Chemical Imaging

Ferreira Matos, Ana Rita Lima, Tereza Farinha, Carlos

Detection and Identification of Contaminants in Fingerprints Using Infrared Chemical Imaging / [Recurso electrónico]

Infrared chemical imaging has been a powerful tool in the study of digital trace evidence, especially in the detection and identification of contaminants present in those traces. After obtaining optimal conditions for collecting images and spectra, in transmission mode and in a barium fluoride window four known substances — phenobarbital, mirtazepine, caffeine and benzoic acid — were tested and detected as contaminants of fingerprints. The results were satisfactory in all cases. Mirtazepine and phenobarbital, which have a potential forensic interest, were used in a study of fingerprint blind samples in 27 volunteers. No false positives were found. The results confirm that infrared chemical imaging is an efficient technique in the detection and identification of contaminants in digital trace evidence.

Dactiloscopia Pruebas Periciales