The tenth installment of this ongoing series.
High-Speed Laser MS for Precise, Prep-Free Environmental Particle Tracking
April 21st 2025Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that a fast, laser-based mass spectrometry method—LA-ICP-TOF-MS—can accurately detect and identify airborne environmental particles, including toxic metal particles like ruthenium, without the need for complex sample preparation. The work offers a breakthrough in rapid, high-resolution analysis of environmental pollutants.
FT-IR Microscopy, Part 2: Mid-IR Sampling with DRIFTS, IRRAS, and ATR
February 14th 2025Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microscopy using reflection methods (diffuse reflection, reflection/reflection-absorption, or attenuated total reflectance) typically requires less sample preparation than transmission. However, optimal results will depend upon the sample and, in particular, the sample surface.