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Solid-state acquisition of fingermark topology using dense columnar thin films.

Akhlesh Lakhtakia1, Robert C Shaler, Raúl J Martín-Palma

  • 1Materials Research Institute and Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 11, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Columnar thin films (CTFs) can capture fingermark topology on nonporous surfaces. This vacuum deposition technique shows potential for determining the sequence of mark deposition in forensic investigations.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Materials Science
  • Surface Chemistry

Background:

  • Fingermark development is crucial in forensic analysis.
  • Existing vacuum techniques have limitations in capturing detailed fingermark topography.
  • Nonporous surfaces present unique challenges for fingermark visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the use of vacuum-deposited columnar thin films (CTFs) for developing fingermarks.
  • To assess the effectiveness of CTFs on various nonporous surfaces and fingermark treatments.
  • To explore the potential of CTFs in determining the sequence of fingermark deposition.

Main Methods:

  • Fingermarks were deposited on nonporous surfaces (glass slides, evidence tape).
  • Treatments included untreated, cyanoacrylate-fumed, and dusted fingermarks.

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  • Columnar thin films (CTFs) of chalcogenide glass or MgF(2) were deposited via thermal evaporation under vacuum (1 μTorr for 30 min).

    • Main Results:

    • Dense CTFs were successfully formed on fingermark ridges.
    • CTF deposition captured the topographical features of the fingermarks.
    • Effective fingermark visualization was achieved on untreated, cyanoacrylate-fumed, and dusted nonporous surfaces.

    Conclusions:

    • Vacuum-deposited CTFs can effectively capture fingermark topology on selected nonporous surfaces.
    • This technique shows promise for enhancing fingermark visualization in forensic science.
    • The method may offer insights into the sequence of fingermark deposition, aiding forensic investigations.