Forensic light source is an important requirement of any forensic laboratory or at a crime scene where with the help of these solutions, professionals can detect the proof that may not be usually visible to the eyes.
Generally, a UV flashlight is composed of a strong lamp consisting of visible ultraviolent and infrared parts of light. It then filters the light down into separate color bands that help in improving the display of proof with light interaction methods such as absorption, fluorescence, and oblique lighting.
Keep reading till the end to learn more about UV flashlight and the key applications for which they are used.
Key applications of UV flashlights
Here are some of the applications of UV flashlights like Arkfeld Pro Flat EDC flashlight:
Body fluids
Forensic light sources are also used for locating varied body fluids such as genital fluids, saliva etc that are naturally fluorescent. The best forensic source light delivers a special technique to identify them at a crime scene.
With the help of strong forensic laboratory light source, the investigators are capable to narrow down the area of proof from where they can get such proof and collect them. Professionals don’t have to cover a big area such as the full mattress or a carpet to pinpoint the proof.
The dried-out body fluids will glow under the light source illumination, anyway, it is mostly preferred to pick light sources with longer wavelengths as they are capable to get rid of the background interference and make the detection results more prominent.
Other than these, forensic light source is also used for detection of fibres and hair, gunshot residues, bruises, human bone fragments, shoe prints and other applications.
Sanitation
Another unexpected fluorescent substance is cat urine. Sanitation firms involved in the sanitation of private houses and apartments have recently discovered how successful it can be to use UV light to glow the areas affected by cat urine. Instead of cleaning and repainting every room, only those areas that are covered in dry urine splash need to be treated, thereby saving the sanitation firm both money and time. The UV spotlight is exclusively used in this application as it is the most successful lamp used in investigatory work performed during general daylight conditions.
Detection of latent fingerprints
This is the most famous application for which forensic light source is used. The high-performance light source permits in improving in detect of latent fingerprints. Fingerprints are made of sweat and oil on the skins surface are known as latent fingerprints and are invisible to the bare eye.
The traditional techniques may not suffice to show the latent fingerprint proof on these surfaces or any other kind of surfaces. They may go unidentified or even dismissed as they could not be detected with sufficient details.
The use of forensic light source has been successfully implied for revealing such fingerprints. The forensic light wavelength source is required to be considered for processing the fingerprint proof on different types of surfaces.
Counterfeit detection
Identification cards, counterfeit money, and documents are growing issue in today’s world. UV flashlights are invaluable tools in confirming the authenticity of these items. Real currency and official documents generally have hidden fluorescent features that become visible under light. By using a UV torch, individuals can immediately identify counterfeit and save themselves from identify theft or financial loss.
Pest control
Scorpions, bed bugs, and certain insects are notoriously stealthy and hard to spot. UV flashlights are generally used by pest control professionals to locate hidden pests and glow infestations. These lights cause the pests to fluorescent, making them attendance easily delectable. By pinpointing their hidden spots, pest control professionals can effectively target and eradicate the issue, ensuring a pest-free atmosphere.
Stain and pet detection
Pet owners generally face challenges when accidents happen, mainly those involving urine stains. UV flashlight helps in identifying and treating these stains successfully. Urine and other bodily fluids from pet contain phosphors that emit a fluorescent glow under UV torch, showing the right location of the stain. This permits owners to fully clean and deodorize affected places, maintain a clean and hygienic living area.
Art conservation and authentication
Art conservators and experts uses UV torch for authenticating and preserving artwork. Many old antique and painting items contain hidden signatures, repairs or alterations that are not capable to seen under general lighting conditions. UV light glows these features, providing valuable insights into the history and authenticity of artwork. Additionally, UV light helps identify areas of deterioration or damage, enabling conservators to develop right restoration and preservation methods.
FAQs
How are UV flashlights used in forensic investigations?
Forensic investigators use UV torches to detect body fluids such as genital fluids and saliva, as these fluids naturally fluoresce under UV torch. UV flashlight help narrow down areas of proof at crime scene and help in the detection of hair, fibers, gunshot residues, shoe prints, and human bone fragments.
Are UV flashlights successful in counterfeit detection?
Yes, UV flashlights are best tools for confirming the authenticity of identification documents, currency, and cards. Real currency and official documents generally have hidden fluorescent features that become visible under UV torch, helping individual’s counterfeit items.
How have UV flashlights impacted many fields?
UV flashlights have revolutionized lots of field, including sanitation, crime investigations, pest control, counterfeit detection, art conservation, and stain detection, by providing successful and portable tools for uncovering hidden details and ensuring currency in diverse applications.
Are there any limitations to UV torch applications?
While UV torches have diverse applications, they may have restrictions in certain scenarios, such as the need for right wavelengths for specific jobs and the reliance or fluorescence for detection, which may change depending on the surface and situations.
End words
UV flashlight has revolutionized many fields, from counterfeit detection and crime investigations to pest control and art conservation. These portable devices have become invaluable tools for uncovering secret details and ensuring accuracy in diverse applications. Whether it is showing the mysteries of crime scene or detecting invisible stains, UV flashlight provide a glimpse into a hidden globe.