Thermal Manipulation of Latent Fingerprints using Cyanoacrylate Fuming with Rare Earth Material

Abstract

Latent fingerprints are used to identify specific individuals during a forensic investigation. Fingerprints provide a clear and concise means of identifying an individual and their history. Traditional techniques for fingerprint analysis include metal powder and magnetic powder dusting; fluorescent dye staining; iodine fuming; vacuum metal deposition and many more. There are several issues with the conventional technologies now in use, including their sensitivity, contrast, background interference, toxicity and complexity. In this study, the cyanoacrylate fuming technique was combined with enhancing agents such as metallic and rare earth minerals to increase the visibility of latent fingerprints in a quick and easy approach. The vapours of ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate react with the fingerprint's natural compounds, increasing the contrast of the impression. Therefore, fingerprints are visible to the human eye after being treated with cyanoacrylate. Rare earth europium oxide was also used to improve the fingerprints. The fingerprints were sprayed with a mixture of europium oxide. Images of the fingerprint samples were taken and they were evaluated. Cyanoacrylate treatment and europium oxide deposition both enhanced the visibility of fingerprints. In contrast to the cyanoacrylate-treated sample, the europium oxide-deposited specimen stood out more clearly. Hence, rare earth elements improved the visibility of hidden fingerprints.