NCJ Number
144692
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 43 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1993) Pages: 481-492
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Separate application of fluorescent materials used in conjunction with cyanoacrylate fuming has demonstrated substantial effectiveness and reliability in latent fingerprint examinations, and Alaska's Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory and 3M Company have developed a one- step method of fingerprint processing technology based on the use of fluorescent cyanoacrylate.
Abstract
The method involves a vapor wand capable of developing cyanoacrylate fingerprints in about 20 seconds. The vapor wand heats rechargeable cartridges of cured cyanoacrylate and emits a stream of vapor that can be used in fume hoods, normal fuming chambers, or open-air environments. The wand is about the size of a pen and, when operated with a proprietary 3M sublimation dye in the cartridge, yields fluorescent fingerprints in one step. In addition, a vapor pump has been designed for larger applications. The covolatilization of a subliming 3M thermal dye with cyanoacrylate has been successful in consistently tagging latent fingerprints on all surface types. Further research into the styryl dye family is recommended, since the material sublimates readily and develops with cyanoacrylate monomers to form a resist specific to fingerprint residue. While this phenomenon primarily occurs in the vapor stream, higher dye material concentrations produce coverage throughout a chamber. 7 figures