ICs (Integrated Circuits) come with identifications engraved on the top of them. Often, they are nigh-on impossible to read. What I found exceedingly helpful, even for the most unreadable engravings, is to rub the top of the chip with a white charcoal pen. You could possibly use white chalk, but I hadn’t tried. For extra contrast, use a brush to brush off some of the charcoal from the face of the chip. Chip IDs became vastly more readable.
I hope that helps.
Mark Carter's blog 