Jerome Workman, Jr.

Arthur William Springsteen, a luminary in the field of spectroscopy, died on May 28, 2024. Here, we recap his life and career.

Harun Hano, Charles H. Lawrie, and Beatriz Suarez, et al. from the Department of Physics at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), in Spain; and the IKERBASQUE─Basque Foundation for Science in Spain have published a research paper in the journal ACS Omega describing the use of Raman spectroscopy with specialized data treatment for the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Forensic scientists have made significant strides in bloodstain identification, leveraging advanced hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to distinguish between human and animal bloodstains with remarkable accuracy.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University and Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a low-cost, wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) headband. This device, described as the first open-source, wireless fNIRS headband system, enables neuroimaging in naturalistic settings, making brain monitoring more accessible and versatile.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of environmental samples. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting contaminants and other environmental applications are thoroughly discussed.

Advances in wearable, high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) technologies are paving the way for real-world neuroscience applications, enabling high-resolution imaging of the human cortex in various environments. This new technology promises significant improvements in understanding brain function during naturalistic activities.

A team of researchers from RIKEN and The University of Tokyo have developed flexible near-infrared organic photodetectors (OPDs) with significant implications for wearable technology. These devices promise enhanced non-invasive biosensing and bio-imaging capabilities, paving the way for more responsive and intelligent wearable applications.

Researchers from the University of Saarland in Germany investigated the reliability and side differences in muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) measurements using a wearable near-infrared monitor on trained cyclists. The study found that the device shows good reliability but highlighted significant side differences, which must be considered in practical applications.

A century of mid-infrared observations has significantly advanced our understanding of the atmospheres of the giant planets in our solar system. A researcher from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile has reviewed the developments in this field and the potential of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to further enhance our knowledge of these planets.

Researchers have delved into the material composition and degradation phenomena of Barbie dolls produced between 1959 and 1976, uncovering insights into their chemical degradation and preservation challenges.

Researchers have developed a new substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using two-dimensional amorphous titanium dioxide/silver (a-TiO2/Ag) nanosheets. This innovation promises significantly higher sensitivity and better uniformity in detecting various substances, potentially transforming applications in analytical spectroscopy and materials science.

Scientists at Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University introduced a new method for leveraging Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Anisotropy Spectroscopy for the analysis of semiconductors.

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology have developed a rapid method to correct infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectra, essential for accurate analysis in various scientific fields. By bypassing iterative processes, this approach enhances efficiency and precision.

Spectroscopy spoke with a senior scientist at Google to understand how the company is using light wearable technology like the Fitbit.

Two distinct baseline correction methods: frequency-domain polynomial fitting, and time-domain molecular free induction decay (m-FID) are compared to determine which approach is more effective in reducing baseline errors in infrared absorption spectra.

Researchers in China have developed a cutting-edge machine learning approach that can detect chylous blood in blood intended for transfusion with more than 90% accuracy. This development promises to significantly reduce the risks associated with blood transfusions and improve the efficiency of blood donation centers.

Researchers from Kyoto University and Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have developed innovative probes to monitor the chemical composition of biodegradable polymer blends during injection molding. This breakthrough could lead to improved production efficiency and reduced waste in the polymer industry.

Researchers from Peking University and Kwansei Gakuin University are developing a new approach to analyze intermolecular interactions using two-dimension correlation spectroscopy.

Scientists from Florida International University and Escola Universitària Salesiana de Sarrià Passeig are working on a novel approach to differentiate the structure of fentanyl analogues.

William Frederick Meggers, honored as the Dean of American Spectroscopists by the US National Bureau of Standards (NBS), dedicated over five decades of his career to NBS, which later became the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 1988 under the United States Department of Commerce. We profile his contributions to spectroscopy here.

The award is presented annually at Pittcon to an industrial spectroscopist who has made significant contributions to the field of vibrational spectroscopy while working in industry.

This award is given annually to a researcher who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of spectroscopy.

In this column and its successor, we describe and explain some algorithms and data transforms beyond those commonly used. We present and discuss algorithms that are rarely, if ever, used in practice, despite having been described in the literature. These comprise algorithms used in conjunction with continuous spectra, as well as those used with discrete spectra.

Spectroscopy is publishing a series of feature articles highlighting the lives and careers of the most influential spectroscopists over the past 100 years. These individuals were selected by our Editorial Advisory Board and team of editors to represent the leading figures in spectroscopy over the century. Our second featured Icon of Spectroscopy is Peter R. Griffiths.

Spectroscopy is publishing a series of feature articles highlighting the lives and careers of the most influential spectroscopists over the past 100 years. These individuals were selected by our Editorial Advisory Board and the editors to represent the leading figures in spectroscopy over the century. Our first featured Icons of Spectroscopy Laureate is Professor Gary Hieftje.

In November, Spectroscopy announced the acquisition of Spectroscopy Europe and Spectroscopy World, two leading publications in the spectroscopy space. We remember Ian Michael, the long-time publisher of both magazines, for the contributions he made to the industry.

This year’s Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award recipient is Eduardo Bolea-Fernández. For the past decade, Bolea-Fernández’s research has focused on the development of a newly introduced technique, termed tandem ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS), for ultra-trace elemental and isotopic analysis. Senior technical editor Jerome Workman discusses Bolea-Fernández’s work here.

In our second article in our Icons of Spectroscopy laureate series, we are providing details of the individuals having their names associated with the major awards in spectroscopy (eponyms).

Spectroscopy's laureate series will highlight the lives and careers of some of the most influential vibrational and atomic spectroscopists.

This tutorial illustrates spectroscopic imaging principles, applications, advantages, and limitations for UV-vis, FL, NIR, IR, THz, Raman, XRF, ICP-MS, and LIBS techniques. It provides a guide for understanding spectroscopic imaging for diverse sample types and applications.