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Ionyx Fingerprint Enhancement Technology (FET) |
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FET - The State of the Art Method for Preservation and Analysis of Residual Fingerprints Status - In Development Current latent fingerprint detection technologies rely on impressions made by perspiration, which escapes the rigid surface of the skin, leaving behind a chemical cocktail on a surface. Fingerprint detection methods typically mix a catalyst, such as cyanoacrylate ("super glue") with the various substances contained within that perspiration (salt, chlorides, protean). The reaction results in print suitable for forensic analysis. The various forensic techniques used to view and analyze fingerprints depend on the presence of perspiration residue - without it, analysis is impossible. Modern techniques seek to disturb and remove the least amount of residue and preserve the print. The University of Connecticut, led by Jim Koch, recently patented a method to detect, preserve and analyze prints in instances where current technology cannot. The method involves using an ion beam to implant the fingerprint into the substrate (evidence), thereby "sealing" it into the surface. The print can now be imaged, visualized and analyzed using a variety of common surface and chemical analysis methods that would have previously been destructive to the evidence. Additionally, evidence remains intact for future analysis, and is preserved for posterity. Partial prints, previously difficult to discover, can now be detected. Note that this may include prints where organic substances are not present in sufficient amounts for DNA analysis. For all prints, increased contrast levels can provide higher clarity and better detection of minutiae then currently available methods. Because the implantation method preserves the chemical state of the print, not only is the print available for imaging, but it can now be analyzed for detection of other residue. A person handling various substances (gasoline, gun powder, chemicals, etc.) will leave trace amounts on the print. Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) for the analysis of fingerprints provides resolution of up to 1 part per billion, for unsurpassed detection of residual particles. This combination of an ion implantation system and a SIMS analyzer - The Ionyx FET System - is a potent fingerprint preservation and analysis system like no other. For fingerprint identification experts, FET does not change the comparison process, but enhances it. By providing greater friction ridge detail, even for prints that may not be detectable using current technologies, FET can provide forensic experts with solid evidence to make the case for individualization. Ionyx, is a division of RBD Enterprises Inc., a worldwide leader in surface science technology. It is the only company authorized to utilize University of Connecticut Fingerprint Enhancement Technology. The complete Ionyx system – consisting of an ion implantation device and SIMS analyzer with imaging capability - is currently being developed in conjunction with the University and various leaders in forensics and surface science.
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Static Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) |
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The Millbrook Mini-SIMS - Cost-effective Fingerprint Analysis on a Small Footprint - Available Now From Ionyx While the Ionyx FET system is currently being developed, there is a technology available now that can greatly assist forensic chemical analysis. The Millbrook Mini-SIMS System provides an easy-to-use Static SIMS system on a small footprint. Though it does not provide all of the advantages the Ionyx FET implantation and SIMS imaging system, the MiniSIMS systems uses a low-energy ion beam for detection, providing one of the least destructive methods of analysis available today. Millbrook MiniSIMS systems are available through Ionyx now.
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