Empirical Research

Surface Preparation and Study of Submicron Fingerprint Debris

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Abstract

The analysis of fingerprints is a well-studied field, with roots tracing back to antiquity. While classic television-detective programs suggest perfect latent fingerprints can be recovered from crime scenes, realistic results vary because of environmental effects, material substrates, and human factors, such as varied human secretions or personal hygiene. This article seeks to establish a baseline for forensic technicians in processing fingerprint samples such that enhanced analysis can be performed examining the chemical compounds present within fingerprints. This analysis requires careful control of the material substrate at this stage, and work is presented identifying a cleaning procedure to examine participants’ sebum and debris-laden fingerprints at a submicron scale, qualified by analysis using atomic force microscopy.

Keywords: MNT Special Issue, Fingerprints, Surface Roughness, Microscopy

How to Cite:

Wright, J., Scott, D., Johnson, G. & Fazarro, D. E., (2026) “Surface Preparation and Study of Submicron Fingerprint Debris”, The Journal of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering 40(3): 18448, 1-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/jtmae.18448