Fluorescence examination is used primarily for what purpose in fingerprint analysis?

Fluorescence examination in fingerprint analysis is primarily employed to enhance the visibility of latent fingerprints that may not be easily seen under normal lighting conditions. This technique often utilizes specific light wavelengths to excite fluorescent materials, allowing for the visualization of prints that could be otherwise obscured. The primary goal is to reveal and enhance the detail of these latent prints to facilitate further analysis and identification.

While fluorescence can indeed assist in determining the presence of certain contaminants on surfaces, the main application in standard fingerprint analysis is about enhancing the visibility of the prints themselves. In contrast, identifying the age of fingerprints or examining patterns specifically would not be the primary focus or benefit of fluorescence techniques, as those processes rely more on the characteristics of the print itself rather than external visual enhancement. Hence, utilizing fluorescence for visibility enhancement of latent prints is pivotal in forensic investigations.