Sequential Raman Chemical Imaging and Biometric Analysis on Fingerprints for Rapid Identification of Threat Materials and Individuals

• NCJ Number: 242576
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2013 Pages: 90-101
• Author(s): Jason A. Guicheteau; Henry Swofford; Ashish Tripathi; Phillip G. Wilcox; Erik D. Emmons; Steven D. Christesen; Juliet Wood; Augustus W. Fountain III
• Date Published: February 2013
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses Raman chemical imaging (RCI) and fingerprint identification.

Abstract

Through a collaborative effort between the United States Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL), the ability to perform sequential Raman chemical imaging (RCI) and biometric analysis on fingerprints for rapid identification of threat materials and individuals was demonstrated. The chemical analysis and imaging of the fingerprints are achieved simultaneously through RCI. The fingerprint image, which bears the location and identity of the threat materials embedded within the fingerprint residue, is also suitable for subsequent biometric analysis through an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS). In the tests, AFIS consistently generated a candidate list containing the source of the fingerprint in the top ranking position. These results mark the first step towards the practical application and implementation of RCI for chemical and biometric analyses on fingerprints routinely obtained at security checkpoints or developed during forensic counter-terrorism and drug investigations. (Published Abstract)