Spectroscopy is a type of analysis that utilizes the interaction of light to analyze and detect components within a sample. Electromagnetic radiation can provide different types of information due to the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum encompasses short and long wavelengths ranging from 10-4nm to 109nm. Spectroscopy is used to analyze samples for the purpose of purity determination or identification. Spectroscopy applications include a robust range of fields such as analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, clinical, environmental, drug discovery, food and beverage, astronomical, petrochemical and forensic sciences.
Spectroscopic equipment also varies depending on the application. There is a variety of spectroscopic technologies available including ICP-MS, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, acoustic spectroscopy and fluorescent spectroscopy. In light spectroscopy, light is directed through the sample and dispersed. This creates a spectrum, that is unique to each compound, which can be used to determine the components, mass, and luminosity of the sample. Acoustic spectroscopy relies on sound waves to determine the physical properties of a sample. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy places a sample in a magnetic field and radio waves are directed into the sample to create an NMR spectrum for identifying and analyzing a sample.
While there are certainly numerous applications that use spectroscopic technology, there are some universal tips and tricks that must be remembered when working with your instrument.
Tips and Tricks
Atmospheric Correction
Eliminate CO2 and water vapor from your sample spectrum. Some tricks to remember are to limit your breathing near the sample and utilize atmospheric correction on your spectroscopic software.
Cleaning and Maintenance
When cleaning the tip of the spectroscopic analyzer, make sure to use a kimwipe and ethanol. Do not use compressed air as it can leave a residue interfering with sensitive components on the spectrometer.
Ensure Contact of Solid Samples
If you are testing solid samples on spectroscopy equipment, make sure to have great contact with your sample. This may involve turning your pressure clamp until the solid sample makes contact with the tip. If a pressure clamp is not needed, then maneuver the sample to ensure optimal contact is made.
Time is Essential
When analyzing a liquid sample make sure to work rapidly in the event your sample evaporates quickly.
Chris Cicinelli is the Associate Editor of Labcompare.