Optical Enhancement of Fingerprint Deposits on Brass Using Digital Color Mapping

John W. Bond D.Phil,

John W. Bond D.Phil

Northamptonshire Police, Force HQ, Wootton Hall, Northampton, NN4 OJQ, U.K.

Forensic Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7EA, U.K.

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John W. Bond D.Phil,

John W. Bond D.Phil

Northamptonshire Police, Force HQ, Wootton Hall, Northampton, NN4 OJQ, U.K.

Forensic Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7EA, U.K.

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 21 July 2011

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01834.x

Citations: 13

Additional information and reprint requests:
John W. Bond, D.Phil.
Scientific Support Department
Northamptonshire Police
Wootton Hall
Northampton NN4 OJQ
U.K.
E-mail: [email protected]

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Abstract

Abstract: The reflection of visible light from α-phase brass subject to surface oxidation in air at elevated temperatures is investigated. X-ray photoelectron and auger electron spectroscopy confirm that covered areas of brass (not exposed to air) display dezincification but an absence of significant surface oxidation, confirming a differential oxidation mechanism. Visualization of differential oxidation is shown to be enhanced by selective digital mapping of colors reflected from the surface of the brass using Adobe^® Photoshop^®. Enhancement is optimal when the brass is heated to ∼250°C with areas of oxidation having a mirror-like appearance. The use of this enhancement method to produce a faithful image of fingerprint ridge characteristics is demonstrated on brass shell casings where fingerprints were deposited prefiring.

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Volume56, Issue5

September 2011

Pages 1285-1288

Optical Enhancement of Fingerprint Deposits on Brass Using Digital Color Mapping

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Optical Enhancement of Fingerprint Deposits on Brass Using Digital Color Mapping

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