The physical developer technique is used to detect latent fingerprints on porous surfaces like paper, rubber gloves, and clay products. It involves the in situ reduction of silver(I) ions to colloidal, elemental silver, which then interacts with organic residues in fingerprints to visualize them as dark gray or black ridges. Key aspects of the technique include the reversible redox reaction between iron(II)/(III) ions and silver ions, and the use of citric acid to promote the reaction and lower the pH. The technique can develop latent prints on various surfaces but is time-consuming and can leave permanent stains.