Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

Establishing credibility and reliability of the information provided by a Fourier transform–infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer is paramount to mitigating risk in the QA/QC laboratory, where simple, fast and error-free analysis of unknown materials or material verification are required. To meet the demands of a modern QA/QC laboratory, FT-IR spectrometers must include capabilities that shift the burden of proving the reliability of the information away from the analyst so they can concentrate on the sample, not on verifying the integrity of the data. Recent design advances in both FT-IR spectrometer hardware and software give users greater confidence by continually reporting instrument status and performance verification, efficiently and effectively running pass–fail tests against specification, and easily adjusting to the degree of variation in a given set of products.

Characterization of trace evidence is an invaluable asset to the forensic scientist in solving crimes. In particular, the characterization needs to be specific enough so that the identification of material collected at a crime scene can be identified forcefully with material collected from a suspect's environment. Colored microscopic fibers can be discovered easily at a crime scene and collected for analysis. The question is what physical tool can be used to characterize these fibers. Fourier transform–infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is a well-established method for characterizing trace evidence. In this article, FT-IR, FT-Raman, and dispersive Raman spectra of a series of prepared fibers will be evaluated for their information content.

Advances in hardware and in data analysis make Raman and laser-assisted spectroscopy techniques valuable in hazardous materials analysis.

According to the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG), techniques with the highest discriminating power should preferentially be used for forensic identification of seized drugs.

Grazing angle Ge ATR spectroscopy is extremely sensitive to monolayers and thin films on high refractive index substrates such as Si.

Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a powerful technique for fast and non-destructive analysis of plastic films.

Fat and other nutritional values can easily be determined by NIR analysis. However a proper sample preparation beforehand is essential for a correct result.

Infrared spectroscopy is a powerful analysis technique used in the semiconductor industry to ensure the quality of silicon and silicon wafers. The authors discuss the use of an inexpensive, lab-based system to measure carbon and oxygen concentrations in silicon to the level of precision required by the solar silicon industry.

The authors illustrate the value of FT-IR–ATR with sample viewing through the analysis of an ink source on paper.

The authors discuss the use of vibrational spectroscopy to differentiate an authentic article from a counterfeit one throughout a product's lifecycle, from component receipt at the site of manufacture, to product receipt by the end user.

The authors discuss the combined use of Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy in fields such as forensic science, biomedical science, catalysis, and polymers.

Transmission methods are often affected by film thickness and can result in inaccuracies. Polarization measurement using attenuated total reflectance (ATR), a Fourier transform–infrared (FT-IR) technique, is offered as an alternate resource because it is not adversely affected by film thickness.

The authors look at the ways in which an imaging FT-IR microscope system with an integrated linear array detector can aid in the examination of a wide array of samples.

Spectroscopy presents a comprehensive index of our FT-IR articles since 2004.

Data from the U.S. Air Force Defense Support Program (DSP) missile warning satellites collected early June 1 over the central Atlantic Ocean is being studied to see if it detected the impact or a fiery breakup of the Air France Airbus A330 that disappeared enroute to Paris, France, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil early on June 1.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy are very complementary methods. The strongest demand tends to come from applications that require analytical information from a potentially broad range of compounds and functional groups. The global market for combined Raman and FT-IR accounts for a small but growing percentage of both the broader IR and Raman spectroscopy markets.

This article discusses instruments that can be used in the field to rapidly and accurately identify various explosives and their precursors.

Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and horizontal attenuated total reflectance (HATR) techniques are used to obtain the FT-IR spectra of the yellow foxtail seed, the giant foxtail seed, and the green foxtail seed.

The authors discuss the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to determine the age of a bloodstain, which can be critical in helping establish when a crime was committed.

Gas sensing in the mid-infrared region is examined.

The handheld and portable Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) market is a very new and rapidly growing market thanks to the intersection of technological advancements and new demand. Relative to other portable analytical technologies, the range of applications for the technology is more diverse. Despite the rapid growth and potential for this market, however, only a handful of competitors currently dominate the market.

A short history of the early scientific developments related to the optical emission lines of hydrogen is presented. These were crucial to the development of the quantum theory. Balmer's empirical formula was an important milestone. Rydberg and others provided additional work, especially for higher atomic numbers. However, it remained for Bohr to provide the physical reasoning.

The authors discuss the use of FT-NIR to identify several different types of drug formulations.

In this article, the authors discuss ways to ensure that users of varying skill levels will achieve the same results when analyzing mixtures.

This article focuses on the emergence of handheld, portable FT-IR spectrometers and the implications with respect to applications and use.

The authors discuss the use of instruments that combine FT-IR and Raman microscopy on a single platform, enabling synergistic studies of many materials.

The author discusses the benefits of using FT-IR to identify microbial organisms.

The authors discuss how applying infrared spectroscopy to microscopic sample preparations extends the value of results generated and provides molecular analysis of physical and chemical interactions.

The author discusses how researchers can gain the most accurate and useful data from their equipment by employing careful sampling and microscope techniques and following a few common best practices.

Residue can be transferred from gloves to samples at detectable levels, especially in attenuated total reflectance infrared spectra. Some residues can be removed easily by washing and drying the gloves in a manner similar to washing and drying hands.