Application of hyperspectral imaging and mass spectrometry imaging technique to fingerprint visualization and trace analysis

Abstract

Developing on advanced light sources, especially those applied in the areas of spectral imaging and mass spectrometry imaging, has made the trace analysis feasible and more reliable. These techniques show great potentials in various fields including forensic science, environment, food, pharmaceuticals, archaeology, etc. In many cases of trace analysis, it is expected to obtain both the spatial distributions and chemical compositions of the target objects. Through the combination of imaging technology with optical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, it is possible to detect the trace chemicals on the surface of various materials as well as their spatial distributions, thus improving the accuracy of detection and the range of application. Moreover, trace analysis based on such methods can reduce or even avoid the use of special chemical reagents, and is compatible with the traditional chemical detection methods. In the paper, we focus on fingerprint visualization and analysis, as a typical trace analysis issue, to discuss the recent progress of the applicable chemical imaging technologies based on the advanced light sources. The effect of latent fingerprint development depends on not only features of fingerprint carrying object, but also the characteristics of fingerprint residues. In this paper, we provide an overview of two technical approaches: specific component targeted chemical imaging and nondirective chemical imaging. We describe the major technologies involved in this field, including visible-near infrared chemical imaging, mid-infrared chemical imaging, Raman imaging, and mass spectrometry imaging.