title: Detection of visible and latent fingerprints using micro-X-ray fluorescence elemental imaging.
abstract: Using micro-X-ray fluorescence (MXRF), a novel means of detecting fingerprints was examined in which the prints were imaged based on their elemental composition. MXRF is a nondestructive technique. Although this method requires a priori knowledge about the approximate location of a print, it offers a new and complementary means for detecting fingerprints that are also left pristine for further analysis (including potential DNA extraction) or archiving purposes. Sebaceous fingerprints and those made after perspiring were detected based on elements such as potassium and chlorine present in the print residue. Unique prints were also detected including those containing lotion, saliva, banana, or sunscreen. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential for visualizing fingerprints by MXRF on surfaces that can be problematic using current methods.
authors.affiliation: Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS G740, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA. cworley@lanl.gov
authors.forename: Christopher G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Worley
authors.forename: Sara S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Wiltshire
authors.forename: Thomasin C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: George J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Havrilla
authors.forename: Vahid
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Majidi
mesh_terms: D002713:Chlorine / Q000032:analysis; D003358:Cosmetics; D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D006801:Humans; D028521:Musa; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D012463:Saliva; D012629:Sebum; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D013542:Sweat
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D002713:Chlorine; D011188:Potassium