Abstract: Pulsating light is used to penetrate a user's finger placed an input surface (which can be a fiber optic surface) of a video camera to avoid the effects of bloodflow from a normal human pulse on the quality of the image which would otherwise change the contrast of the image. The use of pulsating light of shorter durations than a typical human pulse provides an accurate image of a portion of a finger for identification. A retractable cover blocks the fiber optic input surface during a non-working mode, and allows access for identification during a working mode. A light source having a plurality of light emitting diodes provides light that diaphans a portion of the finger. Several successive frames of image signals allow for biometric detection and verification of a human pulse to ensure the finger is not a counterfeit.