Ruvis - Reflective Ultra Violet Imaging System

RUVIS - Reflected Ultraviolet imaging system

RUVIS- Reflected Utraviolet imaging system

to detect latent fingerprints without the use of powders, fumes or chemicals .

It allow the user to search , view and capture latent prints and other evidences

not visible to the unaided eye .It uses intensified UV reflectance instead of fluorescence.

HISTORY - In the 1970s , chinese and Japanese forensic scientists were frustrated

as they could not found all latent fingerprints or contaminating the fingerprints they

found by other methods. Then they saw that by using UV light (254nm) , the light

would reflect off fingerprints and by using a special imager with a quartz lens ,it could

convert the light to a visible range.

HOW DOES RUVIS WORK -

IT uses shortwave UV light ( 254nm) . This light is reflected or absorbed by most

surfaces but with the residue in fingerprint , the UV light is Reflected and scattered .

Using a special lens which focuses this reflected and scattered UV light through a UV

filter , which is then enhanced , converting it into a visible latent print. The background

looks black, as most materials absorb shortwave UV light, leaving only the impression

visible. It works in both darkness and in bright light. Latent fingerprints seen

through the RUVIS photographed with an optional digital camera provided

with the RUVIS .

PURPOSE - RUVIS - Reflected Ultraviolet imaging system provides more

sensitive enhancement methods than traditional. It enables to collect the prints

from surface like plastic bags, sticky tapes, glossy surfaces, magazine's, photographs,

linoleum tiles, compact discs, credit cards etc . Reflected Ultraviolet imaging system

is most effective on smooth , non-porous surfaces prior to any treatment

(flooring, walls, counter-tops, tables) or after a cynoacrylate (superglue) fuming

and on multi-colored surfaces like magazine covers.

ANGLE OF LIGHT - By varying the angel of incidence , the direction the light falls on to the

surface,we find the angel that causes only the reflection and scatter of the fingerprint ridges to appear

and the reflection off the background to disappear. This results as ridges appear bright in the image and

the background looks dark.

SAFETY IS MUST IF YOU USE RUVIS - All Reflected Ultraviolet imaging system devices include

that emit high intensity shortwave Ultraviolet. Exposure to this light radiation result in serious

eye and skin injuries. For this always wear appropriate eye and skin protection. Never aim the

shortwave UV lamp at anyone and don't look directly into the UV lamp.

SOME OBSERVATIONS -

1) RUVIS does not save time at the crime scene but helps to find more evidence than before.

2) it shows whether or not a print has detail , on the proper surfaces , it actually detect many partial or smudged prints

3) RUVIS can help to search for tire impressions and footwear impressions.

NOTE - ( MY VIEW) - Every agency should have RUVIS technology but i do not recommend

Reflected Ultraviolet imaging system for everyday burglary because of the difficult nature of using the

technology ( proficient find it hard for use) and even having difficulty in recording high quality images.

About forensic fingerprint

MR. DEEPAK PAWAR has been working as Finger Print Expert / Police Officer in Finger Print Bureau , Delhi Police at New Delhi since 2001 . He is the senior most Finger Print Expert , attending / visited several scene of crime and solved many crime cases .He has passed M.Sc (Chemistry) and he is the Member of International Association of Identification . He is the Member of Delhi Police welfare association . He is supervising the Forensic , New Delhi District , Mobile Crime Team . He is one of the Expert in the Special Investigation Team held for investigation of important cases . He has been giving fingerprint proficient training to Delhi Police personnel's . He has been Presented / giving lectures on topics related to forensic science . He is also making examination paper of Finger Print proficient course . He is awarded with Police Medal by MHA and Delhi Police.