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Description:
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Latent fingerprint detection by photoluminescence is a well -developed field . Many development techniques exist and are currently being employed in forensic laboratories to detect fingerprints by making them luminescent . However , in forensic science , timeresolved imaging techniques , designed to suppress background fluorescence that interferes with fingerprint detectability , are to date not used outside of the research laboratory , and the chemistry necessary to use time -resolved imaging for fingerprint detection is somewhat limited . For this reason , the first section of this dissertation deals with fingerprint detection methods that have direct application to time -resolved imaging techniques . Trace explosive detection field methods based on chemical reactions have until recently utilized only colorimetric products . To increase the sensitivity of such detection , a field explosive test kit which produces a product that is both colorimetric and luminescent is studied . Detection sensitivity can be gained by taking advantage of the luminescence of these products , something that has not been done to date . When the appropriate chemistry is chosen for explosive detection , time -resolved imaging techniques may again be applicable . This dissertation thus looks at possibilities of taking trace explosives detection to this next level . |