NIST Researchers Develop Frequency Converter for NIR Spectroscopy
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland) have developed a highly sensitive, low-cost NIR spectroscopy technique that can measure the specific wavelengths used in telecommunications as well as single-photon levels of infrared light given off by fragile biomaterials and nanomaterials.
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland) have developed a highly sensitive, low-cost NIR spectroscopy technique that can measure the specific wavelengths used in telecommunications as well as single-photon levels of infrared light given off by fragile biomaterials and nanomaterials. The approach “up converts” infrared photons up to the visible range using a tunable laser. The narrow-band pump laser scans the infrared signal photons and converts only those that have the desired polarization and wavelength to visible light. The visible light is easily detected by commercially available avalanche photodiode detectors. The new system reportedly enables spectra to be measured with a sensitivity that is greater than 1000 times that of current commercial optical spectral instruments.
Getting accurate IR spectra on monolayer of molecules
April 18th 2024Creating uniform and repeatable monolayers is incredibly important for both scientific pursuits as well as the manufacturing of products in semiconductor, biotechnology, and. other industries. However, measuring monolayers and functionalized surfaces directly is. difficult, and many rely on a variety of characterization techniques that when used together can provide some degree of confidence. By combining non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) and IR spectroscopy, IR PiFM provides sensitive and accurate analysis of sub-monolayer of molecules without the concern of tip-sample cross contamination. Dr. Sung Park, Molecular Vista, joined Spectroscopy to provide insights on how IR PiFM can acquire IR signature of monolayer films due to its unique implementation.
The World of Microplastics Up to Date – an Overview
April 23rd 2024Watch this 20-minute educational video by Andreas Kerstan, Agilent Product Specialist in molecular spectroscopy, to gain a comprehensive update on the microplastics landscape and the environmental concerns related to them. Discover the current challenges in microplastics characterization and how Agilent innovative solutions and techniques, including FTIR, LDIR, GC/MS, and ICP-MS, are addressing these issues head-on.
