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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
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)