What the FTIR spectrophotometer is and where it apply.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) is a powerful tool used in various fields for the analysis of solid, liquid, and gas samples. It operates based on the principle of interferometry, where a beam containing many frequencies of light is shone at the sample and the absorption of that beam by the sample is measured. The raw data is then converted into an actual spectrum using a mathematical process called Fourier transform.
FTIR has several prominent features that make it advantageous over other methods of infrared spectral analysis. It provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, accurate wavenumber with an error within the range of ± 0.01 cm -1, and a short scan time for all frequencies (approximately 1 second). Moreover, it’s a non-destructive technique that requires no external calibration.
The applications of FTIR are extensive and diverse. It is primarily used for the identification of unknown compounds, providing quantitative information such as additives or contaminants, and offering kinetic information through the growth or decay of infrared absorptions. It’s widely used in organic synthesis, polymer science, petrochemical engineering, pharmaceutical industry, and food analysis. Furthermore, it’s employed in archaeology and art analysis for the preservation of art and other antiquities.
In conclusion, FTIR is a versatile and efficient tool that offers high-resolution spectral data over a wide spectral range. Its rapid data collection and precise measurement capabilities make it particularly useful in various research and industrial applications.