Portable laser pointing devices are less expensive, more powerful, and more readily available than ever.

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The next step in moving this technology to the field is to develop a portable tripod-based system that houses both the laser source and the IR camera.

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The laser system, which includes a low-cost, portable scanner, is extremely accurate, according to the research team, and it also still recognised surface patterns after the materials had been abused.

BBC: NEWS | Technology | Laser spots paper 'fingerprints'