Analysis of the possible use of liquid crystals in fingerprinting

Preliminary results concerning the use of liquid crystals (LC) in fingerprinting are given. These were based on thin layers of liquid crystals, changing colours (observed in linear polarized light) due to dissolved organic matter, transferred from fingers' surfaces. The possibility is shown of using LC to illustrate not only the surface but also the spacial configuration of a fingerprint. Relations are given between the amount of organic matter generating a fingerprint on a given surface and the coloured "response" of LC which may be used for identification as well as approximate estimation of the process of ageing.