NIR−NIR fluorescence: A new genre of fingermark visualisation techniques

• Cuprorivaite is demonstrated as a novel, non-toxic, NIR−NIR fluorescent fingerprint powder.
• Illumination and imaging in the IR routinely eliminates substrate background interference.
• Fingerprint development on problematic multi-coloured substrates is shown.
• Intense fluorescence allows sample screening from comfortable working distances.

A preliminary study reveals that finely divided cuprorivaite powder may be used to efficiently develop and subsequently image latent fingermarks across a range of highly patterned, coloured non-porous and semi-porous substrates using near infrared illumination and imaging. Problematic multi-coloured backgrounds provide very little interference under the illumination conditions used, and invoked fluorescence observed, when using this material. This is the first reported example of a NIR−NIR fluorophore for use within latent fingermark visualisation and offers the potential for application at the scene and in the laboratory.

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