Using Synchrotron Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy to Explore Fingermark Chemistry

Abstract

The recovery of fingermark evidence from a crime scene can be vital to forensic investigations. Despite the wide variety of current detection methods, many fingermarks are never recovered. This thesis describes the use of synchrotron-sourced X-ray fluorescence microscopy and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the spatial distribution and relative amounts of organic and inorganic materials in latent fingermarks. The findings will help improve fingermark detection methods and assist with the interpretation of fingermark evidence.