Non-porous fluorescent dye stains: a comparative analysis
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Waffle, Debra A.
Issue Date
2010
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic science
Alternative Title
Abstract
A comparative study with the objective of identifying if Ardrox, MBD, and RAM fluorescent dye stains are equal to or better than the current fluorescent dye stains commonly used on fingerprint evidence: MRM-10, Rhodamine 6G, and Basic Yellow. The researcher compared each fluorescent dye stain amongst each other to determine the best overall dye and on which items each dye works the best on. There were seven different substances used for comparisons: glossy paper (magazine pages), plastic bags (white grocery), and aluminum cans (blue Pepsi cans), finished and unfinished wood, glass (Miller Lite beer bottles), and black metal (semi-automatic magaizines). A grading scale of 0 (worst) - 5 (best) will be used to rate the dye stains on how well they work on each substrate. In addition, an optimal wavelength was obtained for each chemical, along with the cost required to make each solution. Upon conducting this evaluation it has been determined that a variety of forensic dyes are necessary in a forensic laboratory in order to obtain the best overall result on each evidentiary item. The cost analysis allows analysts to observe the effectiveness of a dye alongside the price per liter to have available for use.