Spectroscopy-04-01-2007

Spectroscopic analytical techniques accounted for more than 10% of the process water analysis market in 2006. The two technologies that essentially make up this market segment are turbidimeters and UV photometers. Use of direct online spectroscopic methods is limited to a few relatively large application areas.

In this month's installment, columnist Ken Busch presents an elementary explanation of mass spectrometry that is appropriate for a young student audience, or for, perhaps just explaining to family what you actually do for a living.

Featured products from the spectroscopy marketplace.

Columnist Bob McDowall discusses the use of audit trails in the software applications used to control spectrometers that acquire, interpret, and report results from analyses. An effective audit trail is imperative to ensure the integrity of the data and the conclusions reached by the spectroscopist.

The potential utility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a means to detect biological contaminants on painted surfaces is investigated.

This article compares three regulatory standards for near-infrared wavelength references and then reviews currently available materials. Reference types discussed include gas and vapor band spectra, solid artifacts in both transmittance and reflectance, and liquids in transmittance. Traceability issues are discussed in connection with calibration and qualification regulatory compliance requirements, particularly for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.