Fingerprint structure imaging based on an ultrasound camera

This paper describes the design of an ultrasound camera which has a resolut ion of 0.1mm. The camera allows the observation of the near surface structu res of solid objects and is suitable far the finger ridge pattern imaging ( i.e., pattern which is reflected in a fingerprint). The device can be used for a biometric identification of individuals (for access verification). It can also be employed for all other sorts of structures which have ultrasou nd detectable changes in the near surface structure, both natural and artif icial (e.g., created for information recording). The paper describes the cu rrent version of the camera and the physical phenomena behind its operation . Presented are also perspectives of further development of the device.