Chemical imaging of artificial fingerprints by desorption electro-flow focusing ionization mass spectrometry.

Desorption electro-flow focusing ionization (DEFFI) mass spectrometry was used to image chemical distributions of endogenous, e.g., fatty acids, and trace exogenous compounds, e.g., explosives, narcotics and lotions, in deposited and lifted artificial fingerprints, directly from forensic lift tape. An artificial fingerprint mold and synthetic fingerprint material were incorporated for the controlled deposition of material for technique demonstration and evaluation.