In the works at PU: Rare technique of fingerprint detection

Nanotechnology in fingerprint detection was something unheard of in India,but Panjab University has made it a reality.

Nanotechnology in fingerprint detection was something unheard of in India,but Panjab University has made it a reality. A team of three professors at the PU Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology,after more than two years of research,has prepared a rare technique of fingerprint detection,using nanotechnology. After completing successful pre-trials,including laboratory trials,the team is in communication with the central and state forensic laboratories for the technology to be tested in actual conditions.

Working in the field of forensic science for more than two decades and also in close association with forensic laboratories,including Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL),the researchers had come across many common problems faced in fingerprint reading. The idea of developing fingerprint detection technique with the help of nanotechnology came while working on another project — ‘nanotechnology being used in display devices’ — which is still in the pipeline.

“Since absorption and clarity in fingerprint detection is a very common problem faced by various investigating agencies,we came up with a solution using nanophosphors,or in simple terms,nanopowder. So far,a variety of techniques,such as physical,chemical,and instrumental methods,are being used to process the surface and to develop fingerprints but nanotechnology has not been used. At present,this technology is not been used in the country. What is being used is florescent powder. We are also planning to get the technology patented. Also,we are in communication with the CFSL to undertake field trials,” says Dr Vishal Sharma.

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This fingerprint technology,claims the team,has various advantages over the conventional method. “The outstanding merits which distinguish the nanoparticles from the ordinary fluorescent labels are due to their absorption and luminescence wavelengths (colours),which can be tuned by varying the particle size. In addition to that,these particles have longer luminescence lifetime,” says the professor.

“Not only are the fingerprint results clearer and better with more contrast and increasing sensitivity,but also these can be picked up from any surface,including glass,wood,fibre,any other metal and even wet and multi-colour surface that would present a contrast problem if developed with regular fingerprint powder. The results can also be fine-tuned depending upon the requirements. For instance,the nanopwder can be developed in various colours to be in contrast with the base from where these prints have to be picked up. At present,a white powder of micron size is used for detection,which does not give desirable results on white surface,” says Prof R K Pathak.

Since the ridges and patterns to be detected are very minute,Prof Pathak adds,the nanophosphors gives better results. One of the very interesting facts about this technology is that the fingerprints continue to glow for even more than one hour once the ultraviolet light is passed on them.

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