LSU’s department of chemistry has developed technology for sampling fingerprints found on crime scenes. 
The infrared laser ablation vacuum system uses an invisible laser to collect small samples of fingerprints. The molecules are sucked through a filter and stored until transported to a forensics lab for analysis. 
LSU researcher Fabrizio Donnorumma has worked with many other researchers for years to create a system that can accurately capture samples without damaging the evidence. 
 ”In the past 100 years, people have been using tape and swabs to sample anything from crime scenes. And we asked ourselves can you do anything better than that?” Donnorumma said. 
Typically on crime scenes, forensic analyst will swab and dust potential evidence for possible fingerprints. But this technique often leaves the prints contaminated, making it harder for analyst to investigate the print using other methods. 
But the infrared laser ablation vacuum system would eliminate this struggle. Instead of using one sample of a fingerprint, the machine makes it possible for scientists to replicate the print over and over again. This gives forensic analyst the opportunity to test the sample using other techniques without causing any damage. 
For now the machine remains inside the walls of Choppin Hall. For the machine to be released to the public, Donnorumma and his other colleagues would have to develop the machine’s portability. But that depends on funding. 
“We are going to search federal grants, in order to get enough money to bring the system further.” Donnorumma said.