Fluorescent tag for physical developer: Controlling the size and deposition of silver nanoparticles over latent fingerprints on porous surfaces

Cesar Luna, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

The main objective of this research project is to develop a fluorescent tag for the physical developer (PD) method of visualizing latent fingerprints (LFPs) by utilizing metal enhanced fluorescence of a fluorophore by silver nanoparticles (SNPs). PD is the traditional method for imaging latent fingerprints on porous surfaces such as paper, wood and other fibrous materials, but it is limited by the lack of contrast on dark or patterned surfaces i.e. counterfeited paper currency and important forged documents. The use of nontoxic, inexpensive, and readily available reagents, as well as compatibility with current fingerprint developing processes is additional criteria to meet in this project. The research plan has been divided into two stages. Stage one, which is the focus of this report, concentrates on controlling the particle size of the SNPs to be deposited on UP residues. Based on the fact that SNPs are well known materials capable of enhancing the characteristic fluorescence signals of weak dyes and organic molecules when adsorbed onto or in proximity to their surfaces,[1,2,3] stage two will center on finding a suitable dye to interact with the surface plasmon resonance of the deposited SNPs. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Subject Area

Chemistry

Recommended Citation

Luna, Cesar, "Fluorescent tag for physical developer: Controlling the size and deposition of silver nanoparticles over latent fingerprints on porous surfaces" (2005). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1427718.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1427718

Share

COinS