Trends

This year’s Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award recipient is Sarah Theiner, whose research is focused on the application of atomic spectroscopy techniques—laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and single-cell ICP-MS—to expand these analytical techniques as tools for biological and clinical imaging and drug-distribution studies.

In the lead-up to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference, we reflect on some of the most pertinent ongoing trends in forensic analysis.

Spectroscopy is excited to announce the launch of “Pathways in Spectroscopy,” a new video series dedicated to showcasing the experiences, insights, and career journeys of emerging leaders and young scientists across the spectroscopy community.

In this article, we illustrate how automated calibration systems and sophisticated algorithms are transforming chemical data into actionable knowledge.

Responding to a growing need for real-time elemental analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the launch of its Niton XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer.

Experts comment on the biggest trends in spectroscopy heading into 2026, and what this means for science and technology.

This feature reflects on the interviews Spectroscopy magazine conducted in 2025.

From San Francisco to Europe, we explored the most influential spectroscopy conferences of 2025, uncovering key trends, applications, and expert perspectives shaping the field today.

In this deep dive into one of America’s fastest-growing sports, we highlight how a range of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, can and have been used to analyze pickleball equipment.

A recent article discussed the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to better understand the unique chemistry occurring at air–water interfaces. Experimental and conceptual challenges of linking molecular-level structure to macroscopic reactivity and calls for integrating advanced spectroscopy, computation, as well as cross-disciplinary approaches to overcome current limitations, are highlighted. This summary was generated with the help of artificial intelligence.

Spectroscopy is playing a sizable role in expanding the capabilities of remotely operated and manned submersibles. A recently published nonfiction book highlights the advancements made in deep-sea exploration technology, and we discuss spectroscopy's role in all of this.

Jiangnan University researchers map the evolution, challenges, and future of spectroscopy in preserving humanity’s shared legacy.

In a press release, CRAIC Technologies announced the launch of its novel maceral identification solution that is designed to improve coal analysis. This new system contains high-speed imaging, servo-driven scanning, and intelligent software that work together to generate more accurate maceral analysis.

We critically review the qualification and validation approaches in the World Health Organization Technical Report Series (WHO TRS) 1019 Annex 3 and its applicability to spectrometer systems.

This article recaps a recent study into the infrared (IR) spectroscopy market.

Spectroscopy is at the forefront of many changes happening across many industries. Here, two lead investigators comment on how they stay updated with the latest innovations and developments.

This review covers products introduced in the spectroscopy space between May 2023 and April 2024.

The editors of Spectroscopy gathered information about the average salaries and compensation packages compared to previous years. We report on these findings here in our annual salary and employment survey.

Welcome to our Advancing Agriculture for Future Generations content series! Begin your exploration by checking out a compilation of our articles that spotlight how spectroscopy is revolutionizing the agriculture 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.

We interviewed an AI program (ChatGPT) for Spectroscopy asking questions about AI and its role in various applications for vibrational and atomic spectroscopy, including data analysis.

Our annual review of new products for atomic and molecular spectroscopy, including details by category and highlights of overarching trends.

Spectroscopists offer their views on their salaries and the current job market, weighing in on topics such as job security, economic recession, and skill sets of new workers.

Andreas Riedo of the Physics Institute at the University of Bern, the 2023 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, is using laser ablation–desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) to chemically analyze complex mineral surfaces found in space exploration.