Fixing latent fingermarks developed by iodine fuming: a new method

The latent fingermarks developed with iodine fumes are not permanent due to the sublimation of iodine. In this paper a new method has been proposed to fix the latent fingermarks developed with iodine fumes. Latent fingermarks were developed on both porous as well as non-porous substrates which were subsequently fixed by treating them with brucine based reagent. The fingermarks fixed with this method were not only permanent but also without any background coloration. Adsorption of the brucine over the iodine has been found to be a possible reason for permanency of iodine developed fingermarks. This research has successfully demonstrated the first use of the brucine solution for fixing latent fingermarks on porous and as well as on non porous substrates.