Imaging untreated fingerprints on paper

Scientists at ChemImage are pleased to report significant improvements in the ability to enhance contrast of untreated fingerprints on paper substrates. Using the CONDOR™ Hyperspectral Imaging System, application scientists at ChemImage have been able to apply new developments in software and hardware configurations resulting in the enhancement of more ridge detail of untreated latent prints on paper.

“The results are very promising,” said John Belechak, Chief Operating Officer at ChemImage, “To compare the images of these untreated fingerprints to those that we’ve seen in previous publications demonstrates a noteworthy step forward in the science of latent print examination.”

The CONDOR Hyperspectral Imaging System utilises liquid crystal imaging technology, which provides fingerprint examiners with the ability to non-destructively enhance contrast between the print residue and the substrate. When combined with the ChemImage Xpert™ software package, users have access to a significant number of image filtering algorithms. This software becomes extremely important when examining fingerprints on dark substrates or substrates with complex backgrounds.

“While our CONDOR Hyperspectral Imaging System can be used to compliment many processing techniques for fingerprints, it can also provide a means of examining untreated prints, especially if the evidence may contain DNA or includes sensitive documents or art,” said Belechak.