Visualization of latent fingerprints using silica gel G: A new technique

Abstract

There are various methods available for the development of latent fingerprints on different substrates. This paper presents a new powder method for the development of latent fingerprints on different substrates. In this study, a less expensive, simple and easily available, silica gel G powder (usually used in TLC plates preparation) has been used to develop the latent fingerprints on eight commonly encountered different substrates i.e., plastic, glass, ordinary mirror and metallic substrates, aluminium foil sheet, carbon paper, matchbox, cardboard, glossy-painted wooden substrates, top and writable surface of CD and glazed coloured magazine paper surface. It is observed that it gives very clear results on most of the substrates with clear ridges.