Physical developer method for detection of latent fingerprints: A review

Abstract:The physical developer technique is a means to detect fingerprints on dry and wet, porous items, including paper articles, clay-based products and adhesive tapes. The process involves an oxidation–reduction couple whereby a solution of an iron salt reduces aqueous silver nitrate to finely divided metallic silver. The technique derives its name from the photographic physical developer which, during processing of film rolls, undergoes a similar redox reaction. The physical developer reveals the fingerprints as dark gray or black images due to the adsorption of metallic silver particles on the fatty acid and lipid components of sweat residue