Because there are no moving parts or changing of lens filters, the registration of the images is exact, with no blurring of the image. The picture requires no further processing and is readily saved or transmitted to another location. Things not visible to the human eye can often be imaged using the LCTF and multispectral techniques. Separate images are prepared at different parts of the visible or infrared spectrum, and the images of their differences and contrasts are combined to prepare a new image. For example, a fingerprint may be difficult to see because of underlying printed material.
Dyes highlight the fingerprint.
Images are captured at parts of the spectrum where the dye is, and is not, visible. An image developed on the basis of the difference in images suppresses the writing and reveals the fingerprint. The Internal Revenue Service uses similar LCTF-based techniques to detect forgeries and altered documents. JPL illustrated the power of multispectral imaging techniques using an LCTF when legible images of the Dead Sea Scrolls were obtained. Little contrast existed between the ancient papyrus and the ink, making it unreadable to the unaided eye.