Fingerprint Scanner Can Identify Dead Tissue

A new fingerprint scanner is able to tell the difference between living and dead tissue, preventing the use of a severed digit being used to foil fingerprint scanning devices.

The scanner was developed by researchers at Dermalog Identification Systems of Germany, and works by reading the difference in the amount of light absorbed by living tissue versus dead tissue. The amount of light absorbed by a living finger will vary, changing from 550 nanometers when it is first placed on the sensor and then blanching when it is pressed down, absorbing 1450 nanometers. The amount of light absorbed by dead tissue will not change when it is pressed.

Source: ideaconnection.comAdded: 2 August 2011