NOVEL APPROACHES FOR THE DETECTION OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Latent fingerprints are considered as one of the most important evidence generated by crime scenes. In such circumstances lifting of fingerprints involve poor quality or less advanced techniques often related to noise or poor background. Following with an introduction to the importance of fingerprints as unique identifiers and the challenges associated with latent fingerprints (LFPs); current review focuses on the principles of fingerprint detection, various methods used to develop LFPs, and the factors affecting LFP detection. The main focus of the review is on the technological advancements that have revolutionized the field including the use of nanoparticles, infrared laser ablation technology, Advanced Fingerprint Identification Technology (AFIT), colour changing fluorescent film, Automated Fingerprint Identification, spectroscopy, micro–X Ray Fluorescent Elemental Imagining, chemical imaging technology, synchrotron-based technology, and detection on unfired cartridges by depositing Palladium. The article concludes with a comparative analysis of these novel approaches highlighting their strengths and limitations