Effect that the relative abundance of copper oxide and zinc oxide corrosion has on the visualization of fingerprints formed from fingerprint sweat corrosion of brass

From an examination of the fingerprint sweat corrosion of 40 different individuals on α phase brass, we show that an increase in visualization can be achieved by applying a negative potential to the brass followed by the introduction of a conducting powder. Previously, this technique has been demonstrated only for a positive applied potential and a corrosion product that was dominated by p-type copper (I) oxide. X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopic analyses of the surface of the corroded brass show that an increase in visualization with a negative applied potential corresponds with an increase in the concentration of n-type zinc oxide relative to p-type copper (I) oxide with the Cu:Zn ratio <0.8:1. Work function conditions for the formation of an n-type zinc oxide/brass rectifying Schottky barrier are fulfilled.     

A Comparison of Fingerprint Sweat Corrosion of Different Alloys of Brass

Fingerprint sweat from 40 donors was deposited onto samples of five α and α + β phase brasses, comprising five alloys with different copper and zinc concentrations, two of which also had the addition of small concentrations of lead. Visual grading of the visibility of the corrosion revealed that brasses with the least amount of zinc produced the most visible and fully formed fingerprints from the most donors. Consideration of previously reported mechanisms for the corrosion of brass suggests red copper (I) oxide as a likely corrosion product for low zinc brasses, and a consideration of the color, composition, and solubility of fingerprint sweat corrosion products suggests that copper (I) oxide produces good contrast and visibility with the brass substrate. Scanning electron microscope images of the corrosion of all five alloys confirmed the enhanced contrast between corroded and uncorroded areas for low zinc alloys.     

Visualization of latent fingermark corrosion of brass, climatic influence in a comparison between the U.K. and Iraq

Through a comparison of fingermark sweat corrosion of α phase brass in both the U.K. and Iraq, we show how samples from Iraq have improved fingermark corrosion over U.K. samples that require no additional enhancement prior to visualization. Over 50% of Iraqi samples produced fingermark corrosion with full ridge detail compared with 0% from the U.K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the fingermark corrosion products showed that Iraqi samples exhibit more dezincification with the Zn:Cu ratio averaging 1:1.82 compared with 1:3.07 for U.K. samples. Auger spectroscopy showed the presence of both zinc oxide and copper (I) oxide. No copper (II) was observed on the surface of the corroded brass. Opportunities to exploit the optical properties of these thin film oxides to enhance the visualization of fingermark corrosion are considered, and the potential to use fingermark corrosion of metal as a means of visualizing fingerprints in war zones is discussed.     

Visualization of Latent Fingerprint Corrosion of Brass

Abstract:  Visualization of latent fingerprint deposits on metals by enhancing the fingerprint-induced corrosion is now an established technique. However, the corrosion mechanism itself is less well understood. Here, we describe the apparatus constructed to measure the spatial variation (Δ V ) in applied potential ( V ) over the surface of brass disks corroded by latent fingerprint deposits. Measurement of Δ V for potential of 1400 V has enabled visualization of fingerprint ridges and characteristics in terms of this potential difference with Δ V typically of a few volts. This visualization is consistent with the formation of a Schottky barrier at the brass-corrosion product junction. Measurement of the work function of the corroded brass of up to 4.87 ± 0.03 eV supports previous results that suggested that the corrosion product is composed of p-type copper oxides. A model for the galvanic corrosion of brass by ionic salts present in fingerprint deposits is proposed that is consistent with these experimental results.     

Effect of chloride ion concentration on the galvanic corrosion of α phase brass by eccrine sweat

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurement of the relative concentration of sodium, chloride, calcium, and potassium ions in eccrine sweat deposits from 40 donors revealed positive correlations between chloride and sodium (ρ = 0.684, p < 0.01) and chloride and calcium ions (ρ = 0.91, p < 0.01). Correlations between ion concentration and the corrosion of α phase brass by the donated sweat were investigated by visual grading of the degree of corrosion, by measuring the copper/zinc ratio using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and from a measurement of the potential difference between corroded and uncorroded brass when a large potential was applied to the uncorroded brass. An increasing copper/zinc ratio (indicative of dezincification) was found to correlate positively to both chloride ion concentration and visual grading of corrosion, while visual grading gave correlations with potential difference measurements that were indicative of the preferential surface oxidation of zinc rather than copper.     

Can the RUVIS Reflected UV Imaging System Visualize Fingerprint Corrosion on Brass Cartridge Casings Postfiring?

Comparisons are made between the visualization of fingerprint corrosion ridge detail on fired brass cartridge casings, where fingerprint sweat was deposited prefiring, using both ultraviolet (UV) and visible (natural daylight) light sources. A reflected ultraviolet imaging system (RUVIS), normally used for visualizing latent fingerprint sweat deposits, is compared with optical interference and digital color mapping of visible light, the latter using apparatus constructed to easily enable selection of the optimum viewing angle. Results show that reflected UV, with a monochromatic UV source of 254 nm, was unable to visualize fingerprint ridge detail on any of 12 casings analyzed, whereas optical interference and digital color mapping using natural daylight yielded ridge detail on three casings. Reasons for the lack of success with RUVIS are discussed in terms of the variation in thickness of the thin film of metal oxide corrosion and absorption wavelengths for the corrosion products of brass.     

A Comparison of Cleaning Regimes for the Effective Removal of Fingerprint Deposits from Brass

Abstract:  Effective removal of fingerprint deposits is crucial for experimentation related to the corrosion of metals by fingerprint deposits. Such removal is also necessary prior to deposition of test fingerprints. The effectiveness of four regimes in removing fingerprint deposits from brass is considered. Sustained wiping of the deposit with a tissue at applied pressures of up to c . 1430 Pa or rubbing while the brass was immersed in acetone both failed to remove completely all traces of fingerprint deposits. Heating the brass to 600°C was an effective remover; however, this also oxidized the surface of the metal except where inhibited by fingerprint deposits. The most effective regime, and the only one of the four that removed all traces of deposit without affecting the properties of the metal surface, was immersion in warm soapy water while rubbing with a tissue. We propose this as the preferred method for fingerprint removal.     

The thermodynamics of latent fingerprint corrosion of metal elements and alloys

Redox reactions taking place between the surface of a metal and fingerprint residue have been expressed thermodynamically in terms of both the Nernst equation for reduction potential and the complexation constant for the formation of complex metal halide ions in aqueous solution. These expressions are used to explain experimental results for the corrosion of 10 different metal elements by fingerprint residue in air at room temperature. Corrosion of noble metals, such as silver and gold, supports the proposition that the degree of metal corrosion is enhanced by the presence of chloride ions in eccrine sweat. Extending the experiments to include 10 metal alloys enabled the construction of a fingerprint corrosion series for 20 different metals. Fingerprint corrosion on metals alloyed with > approximately 40% copper was found to display third level fingerprint detail. A comparison of both conventional ink on paper and digital (Livescan) fingerprinting techniques with fingerprints deposited on 9 Karat gold alloy has shown that gold alloy depositions are least susceptible to third level detail obliteration by poor fingerprint capturing techniques.     

High Resolution Imaging of Latent Fingerprints by Localized Corrosion on Brass Surfaces

Abstract:  The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is capable of imaging fingerprint ridges on polished brass substrates at an unprecedented level of detail. While exposure to elevated humidity at ambient or slightly raised temperatures does not change the image appreciably, subsequent brief heating in a flame results in complete loss of the sweat deposit and the appearance of pits and trenches. Localized elemental analysis (using EDAX, coupled with SEM imaging) shows the presence of the constituents of salt in the initial deposits. Together with water and atmospheric oxygen—and with thermal enhancement—these are capable of driving a surface corrosion process. This process is sufficiently localized that it has the potential to generate a durable negative topographical image of the fingerprint. AFM examination of surface regions between ridges revealed small deposits (probably microscopic "spatter" of sweat components or transferred particulates) that may ultimately limit the level of ridge detail analysis.     

Visualization of latent fingerprint corrosion of metallic surfaces

Abstract:  Chemical reactions between latent fingerprints and a variety of metal surfaces are investigated by heating the metal up to temperatures of ∼600°C after deposition of the fingerprint. Ionic salts present in the fingerprint residue corrode the metal surface to produce an image of the fingerprint that is both durable and resistant to cleaning of the metal. The degree of fingerprint enhancement appears independent of the elapsed time between deposition and heating but is very dependent on both the composition of the metal and the level of salt secretion by the fingerprint donor. Results are presented that show practical applications for the enhancement to fingerprints deposited in arson crime scenes, contaminated by spray painting, or deposited on brass cartridge cases prior to discharge. The corrosion of the metal surface is further exploited by the demonstration of a novel technique for fingerprint enhancement based on the electrostatic charging of the metal and then the preferential adherence of a metallic powder to the corroded part of the metal surface.     

8种方法显现的汗潜指印STR分型研究

目的研究常见指印显现方法对指印STR检验的影响。方法采用Invisorb spin forensic试剂盒提取纯化人汗潜指印DNA,低拷贝模板(LCN)STR复合扩增,荧光电泳检验。结果用铜粉、铝粉、荧光粉、黑磁粉、"502"胶、茚三酮、磺酸双三嗪荧光显色液显现的玻片、纸张和胶带纸粘面上的汗潜指印可成功进行STR分型。结论常见指印显现方法不影响指印STR检验。     

The Effect of Varying the Composition of Fingerprint Sweat Deposits on the Corrosion of Brass and Fingerprint Visibility

Corrosion of α‐phase brass by sebaceous sweat fingerprint deposits produced identifiable impressions in a majority of samples (n = 40) 4 days after deposition. Combining sebaceous with eccrine sweat yielded a greater percentage of identifiable fingerprint deposits, although this increase was not statistically significant. Production of identifiable fingerprints from eccrine sweat deposits was dependent on the sampling time of year with deposits taken during summer months giving similar percentages of identifiable fingerprints to sebaceous deposits. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between elapsed days after deposition and identifiable eccrine (ρ = 0.787, p < 0.05), sebaceous (ρ = 0.724, p < 0.05), and eccrine/sebaceous mixture (ρ = 0.908, p < 0.01) fingerprints deposited during summer months. The summer increase in the percentage of identifiable eccrine sweat deposits was statistically significant compared to winter eccrine deposits (p < 0.0001). Observations were consistent with results obtained from artificial sebaceous and eccrine sweat.     

The effect of electrostatic fingerprint visualization on integrated ballistic identification systems

Visualization of fingerprint corrosion on spent brass cartridge cases by the application of a high electrical potential and conducting carbon powder is becoming an accepted method of fingerprint enhancement. However, to date, no examination has been made of any effect this technique has on ballistic identification. To resolve this, images of the breech face and firing pin marks were captured on six plated nickel and six brass primer cup spent cartridge cases. Three nickel and three brass cases were then subjected to the application of a potential of +2500 V for a period of 1 min. The remaining cases were additionally subjected to the application of carbon powder. These latter cases were then washed to remove all traces of powder. Each case was recaptured with the same ballistic identification apparatus and imaging procedure. None of the twelve cases showed any visual difference after the application of the potential or conducting powder.     

微晶荧光乳浊液显现血、汗指纹的研究

目的　显现非渗透性和半渗透性客体上的血指纹、汗潜指纹。方法　应用微晶小颗粒荧光乳浊液显现血、汗指纹。结果　对常见的各种非渗透性和半渗透性客体上的新鲜和陈旧的血、汗指纹均可显出。结论　该方法与传统的物理显现方法相比较在于显出效果基本不受指纹遗留时间和客体的性质及表面颜色的影响 ,并且此方法实用、可靠 ,同时该配方还可用于非渗透性和半渗透性客体上涉油指纹的显现 ,是常见客体上血、汗指纹显现的一个重要突破     

Effect of Temperature on the Visualization by Digital Color Mapping of Latent Fingerprint Deposits on Metal

Visualization of fingerprint deposits by digital color mapping of light reflected from the surface of heated brass, copper, aluminum, and tin has been investigated using Adobe^® Photoshop^®. Metals were heated to a range of temperatures (T) between 50°C and 500°C in 50°C intervals with enhancement being optimal when the metals are heated to 250°C, 350°C, 50°C, and 300°C, respectively, and the hue values adjusted to 247°, 245°, 5°, and 34°, respectively. Fingerprint visualization after color mapping was not degraded by subsequent washing of the metals and color mapping did not compromise the visibility of the fingerprint for all values of T. The optimum value of T for fingerprint visibility is significantly dependent of the standard reduction potential of the metal with Kendall's Tau (τ) = 0.953 (p < 0.001). For brass, this correlation is obtained when considering the standard reduction potential of zinc rather than copper.     

短波紫外照射对汗潜手印DNA检测的影响初探

目的探测短波紫外灯的照射是否会对汗潜手印DNA检测产生影响。方法由每名志愿者在纸张上捺印4枚拇指指印使每枚指印的脱落细胞量保持基本相同,抽取每名志愿者所捺印的一枚指印作为一组,共有四组,将三组指印置于短波紫外灯的照射下,照射时间分别设置为10min﹑30min和1h,还有一组不照射,然后用磁珠法对所有指印提取DNA并进行定量。结果短波紫外灯的照射会对汗潜手印中的DNA造成减损,照射时间越长,减损得越多。结论尽量减少短波紫外灯对汗潜手印照射的时间(可控制在10min内),以保证汗潜手印有足够量的DNA而能被用于STR分型检测。     

卫生纸上汗潜手印显现方法比较研究

目的通过比较实验来探寻卫生纸上汗潜手印的最佳显现方法,为实际工作提供指导性建议。方法选择市面上常见的四种卫生纸,在每种卫生纸上制作汗潜指印实验样本,分别将茚三酮溶液浸泡法与茚二酮溶液浸泡法、茚二酮溶液浸泡法与茚二酮溶液超声雾化法、茚二酮溶液超声雾化法与(对)-二甲(替)氨基肉桂醛(DMAC)显现纸冷熏法、茚二酮溶液浸泡法与红外加热显现法、茚二酮溶液超声雾化后加热显现法与室温显现法进行两两比较,分析显现效果。结果茚二酮显现的灵敏度和质量均优于其他几种方法,特别是超声雾化后室温显现,既能很好地显现手印又不影响后期的DNA检验。结论采取茚二酮超声雾化室温条件显现方法显现卫生纸上的汗潜手印具有显现效果好、设备条件要求低、操作性强的特点,在实际案件中可以借鉴应用。     

Development of Latent Fingerprints on Thermal Paper by the Controlled Application of Heat

Apparatus to produce a spatially and temporally uniform heat source is described and this is used to visualize latent fingerprints deposited onto thermal paper by raising the temperature of the paper. Results show an improvement over previous research when fingerprint deposits are aged or the developed fingerprints faint; visualization being enhanced by the use of a blue LED light source of 465 nm peak wavelength. An investigation of the components in fingerprint sweat likely to affect the solubility and hence color change of the dye present in the thermal paper has shown that polar protic solvents able to donate a proton are favored and a polar amino acid found commonly in eccrine fingerprint sweat (lysine) has been shown able to produce the desired color change. Aged fingerprint deposits on thermal paper from a variety of sources up to 4 years old have been visualized with this technique.     

ZnS和ZnS:Cu无机紫外荧光材料的制备及其在汗潜手印显现中的应用

目的制备荧光强度高、客体适用性广、显现效果优良且合成方法简单的ZnS及ZnS:Cu无机紫外荧光材料,并将其用于汗潜手印的显现。方法通过一步溶液反应共沉淀法制备ZnS无机紫外荧光材料,并在ZnS材料中加入Cu^2+得到ZnS:Cu以改善荧光性质,将其应用于普通客体(白色捺印纸、载玻片、铁架台、乳白色花纹瓷砖表面、磨砂化学实验台面、不锈钢表面)和复杂客体(拼色花纹瓷砖、农夫山泉塑料标签和杂志封面铜版纸)上汗潜手印的显现,并与传统荧光粉末显现效果进行对比。结果ZnS材料具有荧光性,并且在ZnS材料中掺杂Cu^2+后得到的ZnS:Cu材料荧光强度增强,荧光光谱范围变广,稳定性提升。显现汗潜手印时,适用客体范围更广,并且可通过调节激发光的波长呈现不同的显现效果。结论通过在无机荧光材料ZnS中掺杂Cu^2+可改善材料的荧光范围,从而得到适用于不同客体上汗潜手印显现且效果更好的ZnS:Cu无机紫外荧光材料。     

布料上掌纹的真空镀膜显现及DNA检验的研究

目的探究布料载体上潜掌纹经真空镀膜显现后,掌纹DNA提取相关影响因素与检出基因座数目的关系。方法分别进行出汗手与无汗手掌纹按压,放置不同时间;对提取的掌纹DNA进行定量检测;比较白色与黑色布料载体基因座数目检出情况。结果掌纹基因座数目检出随时间延长而递减,出汗手组基因座数目检出高于无汗手组,rfu值600时,基因座数目检出百分比90%,模板量阈值为0.013ng。同一提取方法白布基因座数目检出高于黑布,布料色素抑制PCR扩增,致使基因座检出数目减少。结论真空镀膜技术能够很好地应于掌纹DNA的检测。