Spectroscopy-04-01-2015

This month we discuss ISO Guide 80, "Guidance for the In-House Preparation of Quality Control Materials." This practical guide is worth reading, and its contents should be compared with your current working practices. In addition, we look at options for the preparation of working solutions from stock solutions to see the errors that could occur.

Interpreting infrared spectra is fun, but to do it properly one must be grounded in theory, which might be not so enjoyable for some. To cover theory and interpretation judiciously, this installment (and the next several installments) will begin with a section on theory and end with coverage of interpreting spectra. Here, we introduce the theory behind light and spectral units and the interpretation of methyl and methylene groups contained in straight alkane chains.

Nanostructured materials are expected to lead to the emergence of new products with enhanced functionalities. Their manufacture often requires the use of particles referred to as nano-objects, their aggregates, and their agglomerates. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was deemed as a potential candidate for the detection of these materials in various contexts. This article discusses examples of the application of LIBS for workplace surveillance and process control of nano-objects.

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems have an optimal observation height, but measurements made at other observation heights in the ICP should also yield the same accurate analytical results - if there are no interferences.

The analysis of seals, mostly via the ink types, can provide evidence to authenticate the related documents and can play a key role in legal cases. In the present study, a method to discriminate red seal inks using Raman microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was developed.

The Shimadzu IR app is designed as a tool for users of Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers

Click the title above to open the Spectroscopy April 2015 regular issue, Vol 30 No 4, in an interactive PDF format.