Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared (IR) spectra have been produced by transmission, that is, transmitting light through the sample, measuring the light intensity at the detector, and comparing it to the intensity obtained with no sample in the beam, all as a function of the infrared wavelength. This article discusses the sampling techniques and applications of IR spectra as well as the molecular structure information it can provide. The discussion begins with a description of the general principle of IR spectroscopy. This is followed by a section on commercial IR instruments. Sampling techniques and accessories necessary in obtaining the infrared spectrum of a material are then discussed. The article presents various techniques and methods involved in IR qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. It ends with a few examples of the applications of IR spectroscopy.