Reveal fingermarks on complex backgrounds with fluorescent powders – Inspired by Nature
From: Foster+Freeman
Posted On: 28 Jul 2023
Despite the vast quantity of fingerprint treatments currently available, examiners continue to be frustrated by a number of ‘difficult’ substrates.
Multi-coloured and densely patterned backgrounds, reflective metal surfaces and substrates that fluoresce at the same wavelengths as common fluorescent fingerprint treatments, can prevent the successful imaging of fingerprints. However, when dusted with fpNatural® infrared fluorescent powders, interference can be removed to reveal high contrast prints
fpNATURAL® 1, a plant based fluorescent powder
Cyanophyta or cyanobacteria is a phylum of bacteria that gains its name through its blue/green colour. Often referred to as blue-green algae, there are approximately 2000 species of cyanophyta, the perfect blend of which meets all the requirements to produce an ideal IR fingerprint powder:
- Emits bright IR fluorescence under blue/red illumination
- Rich in IR fluorescent phycocyanin and chlorophyll
- Non-toxic, safe to use and handle, and easily applied with a zephyr brush
fpNATURAL® 2, a mineral pigment based fluorescent powder
Egyptian Blue, also known as calcium copper silicate or cuprorivaite, is best known for its use in ancient Egyptian artwork found on statues, tomb paintings and sarcophagi. A bright blue powder, when viewed in the visible spectrum, Egyptian Blue exhibits strong Near-Infrared fluorescence when illuminated with either Visible or Near-Infrared light. The fpNATURAL® 2 blend of Egyptian Blue offers unique advantages to the fingerprint examiner:
- Emits fluorescence under Near-IR illumination
- Produces a significantly high quantum yield in excess of 10%
- Ideally suited to covert applications (can be stimulated in the N-IR)