Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, Volume. 62, Issue 4, 0418001(2025)

Sebaceous Fingerprint Composition and Imaging Using Microscopic Confocal Raman Spectroscopy

Chenglong Huang1, Hanze Man1, and Yabin Zhao1,2、*
Author Affiliations
  • 1School of Investigation, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
  • 2Public Security Behavioral Science Laboratory, People's Public Security University of China, Beijing 100038, China
  • show less

    Fingerprints are unique to each individual, leaving traces upon contact with objects, and remain essentially unchanged throughout a person's lifetime. These characteristics render fingerprints invaluable for personal identification in criminal investigations and court proceedings. Consequently, the visualization and compositional analysis of fingerprints have become key areas of focus in forensic science and technology. In this study, a confocal Raman imaging microscope was employed to irradiate sebaceous fingerprints on aluminum foil with a laser, thereby obtaining Raman scattering spectra. By analyzing the number, position, and intensity of the characteristic peaks in the Raman spectra, the corresponding molecular vibration groups were identified. Subsequently, Raman spectral imaging was performed using these characteristic peaks to determine the spatial distribution of the sebaceous fingerprints, effectively visualizing them. Results indicate that the sebum in the fingerprints originates from skin secretions, with triglycerides and fatty acids identified as the primary components. Both are lipid compounds, and by analyzing the intensity of the Raman characteristic peaks at 1660 cm-1 and 3000 cm-1, the degree of unsaturation in the lipids of the sebaceous fingerprints can be determined. Furthermore, the confocal Raman imaging microscope successfully captured clear images of the sebaceous fingerprints, revealing not only second-level features but also third-level features, such as sweat pore characteristics. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy, being a non-destructive analytical technique, requires no sample preparation and does not interfere with the subsequent processing of fingerprints by law enforcement agencies. This method offers a more convenient and efficient approach to fingerprint analysis.

    Keywords
    Tools

    Get Citation

    Copy Citation Text

    Chenglong Huang, Hanze Man, Yabin Zhao. Sebaceous Fingerprint Composition and Imaging Using Microscopic Confocal Raman Spectroscopy[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2025, 62(4): 0418001

    Download Citation

    EndNote(RIS)BibTexPlain Text
    Save article for my favorites
    Paper Information

    Category: Microscopy

    Received: May. 20, 2024

    Accepted: Jun. 11, 2024

    Published Online: Feb. 10, 2025

    The Author Email: Yabin Zhao (20052172@ppsuc.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.3788/LOP241326

    CSTR:32186.14.LOP241326

    Topics