Fluorescent detection sprays are applied to objects to elucidate evidence of contact. Billed as an invisible powder, evidence of contact between objects may be visualized through illumination by ultra-violet light, which causes the fluorescent tracer to luminesce. While the presence of the fluorescent powder on a suspect or object is often used as evidence of direct contact, the fine nature of the powder, which is comprised of sub-visible particles that are generally less than 10 microcetres in diameter, lends itself to higher-order transfers that do not necessarily involve the original object. Due to the small particle size and light-yellow color, the particles are generally invisible to the unaided eye in white light. This increases the opportunity for unwanted or unanticipated transfers (i.e., contamination). The current research illustrates the ease of higher order cross-transfers (up to the 10th order) and the considerations necessary to maximize the evidentiary value of sub-visible particles and nanotraces, while minimizing the chances of cross-contamination. (publisher abstract modified)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- FRVT 2006 and ICE 2006 Large-Scale Experimental Results
- Forced Condensation of Cyanoacrylate with Temperature Control of the Evidence Surface to Modify Polymer Formation and Improve Fingerprint Visualization
- Developmental Variation Among Cochliomyia Macellaria Fabricius (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Populations from Three Ecoregions of Texas, USA