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Modifications to the silver physical developer.

David Burow1, Donald Seifert, Antonio A Cantu

  • 1Marshall University, Forensic Science Graduate Program, Forensic Science Center, Huntington, WV 25701, USA.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|October 11, 2003
PubMed
Summary

A new silver physical developer formulation improves latent print visualization on porous surfaces. This enhanced reagent overcomes performance issues with purified water and is more cost-effective.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Chemistry

Background:

  • Silver physical developer is crucial for visualizing water-insoluble components in latent fingerprints on porous surfaces.
  • Its effectiveness is diminished when using purified water (reverse osmosis/deionized) instead of distilled water.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the reduced performance of silver physical developer with purified water.
  • To develop an improved silver physical developer formulation that maintains or enhances performance and is cost-effective.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic variation of component concentrations in the silver physical developer.
  • Inclusion of malic acid in the formulation.
  • Performance evaluation using purified water.

Main Results:

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  • Reduced concentrations of most components (except ferric salt) restored performance.
  • Inclusion of malic acid further improved the developer's effectiveness.
  • The new formulation matches or surpasses the performance of the current standard.

Conclusions:

  • The water purity significantly impacts silver physical developer performance.
  • A modified formulation with lower component concentrations and malic acid offers a superior and economical alternative for latent print visualization.