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Related Experiment Videos

Latent fingermark visualisation using a scanning Kelvin probe.

Geraint Williams1, Neil McMurray

  • 1Materials Research Centre, School of Engineering, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. Geraint.Williams@swan.ac.uk

Forensic Science International
|October 7, 2006
PubMed
Summary

The scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) technique effectively visualizes latent fingermarks on various metal surfaces. This method can even reveal marks hidden by soot or partially removed, aiding forensic investigations.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Surface Science
  • Electrochemistry

Background:

  • Latent fingermark visualization on metallic surfaces presents significant challenges in forensic science.
  • Existing techniques often struggle with diverse metal finishes and post-deposition surface alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the current state of the art in fingermark visualization on metallic surfaces using the scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) technique.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of SKP for imaging latent fingermarks on various metallic substrates.
  • To demonstrate the capability of SKP for challenging fingermark recovery scenarios.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) technique for potential mapping of metallic surfaces.
  • Applied SKP to visualize latent eccrine fingermarks on polished and roughened metallic samples.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Tested SKP's ability to image fingermarks obscured by soot and those partially removed from surfaces.

    • Main Results:

    • SKP effectively imaged latent fingermarks on a range of polished and roughened metallic surfaces.
    • The technique successfully visualized fingermarks hidden beneath optically opaque soot films.
    • SKP retrieved ridge detail from fingermarks that had been physically removed (e.g., by rubbing).
    • Demonstrated SKP Volta potential mapping on small, non-planar objects like fired brass cartridge cases.

    Conclusions:

    • The scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) is a powerful tool for fingermark visualization on metallic surfaces.
    • SKP offers unique capabilities for recovering fingermark evidence in challenging forensic scenarios.
    • The technique shows promise for analyzing complex metallic objects in forensic casework.