Latent fingerprint detectors and fingerprint scanners therefrom

A method of detecting a latent fingerprint, comprising:

• illuminating a sample surface where a latent fingerprint may be present with a first light source such that the sample surface produces specular reflection;
• arranging an optical detector at a critical alignment angle relative to the first light source such that the optical detector captures the specular reflection from the sample surface and generates image data of the fingerprint using the specular reflection to generate image data of the fingerprint on the sample surface;
• aligning said optical detector relative to said sample surface at an alignment angle that is substantially equal to an angle of reflection from the sample surface of the light provided by said first light source;
• analyzing said generated image data of the sample surface to determine if said generated image data includes an image of the fingerprint;
• and
• producing image data of the fingerprint responsive to a determination that said analyzed image data includes an image of the fingerprint;
• wherein arranging said optical detector further comprises configuring said first light source and said optical detector such that they have substantially equal and opposite numerical apertures.