SPECTROSCOPY

Spectroscopy is a scientific technique used to measure the interaction between light and mater analyzing the spectrum of light emitted absorbed or scattered by a sample.

Spectroscopy is divided into three main branches and they are; atomic, molecular and mass spectroscopy.

Atomic spectroscopy analyzes the interaction between light and atoms.

Molecular spectroscopy studies the interaction between light and molecules.

Mass spectroscopy analyzes the mass to charge ratio of ions.

The main tool used in spectroscopy studies is called the spectrometer. Spectrometers are scientific instruments used to measure the interaction between light and matter, analyzing the spectrum of light emitted, absorbed or scattered by a sample.

There are several types of spectrometers and they are as follows; optical, mass and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers.

Optical spectrometers measure visible, ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light.

Mass spectrometers analyze the mass to charge ratio of ions.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers measure nuclear magnetic resonance signals.

The advantages of spectroscopy are as follows; it detects small changes in spectra. It is applicable to various fields such as chemistry, biology, physics etc. it provides accurate concentration measurements.

The disadvantages of spectroscopy are as follows; it requires expertise for operation and interpretation. Environmental factors can affect measurement. Some techniques require specific sample preparation.

The application of spectroscopy is diverse and specifically covers all the scientific fields as follows; it identifies and quantifies chemical compounds. It is very useful in the study of biomolecules, proteins and cells. It analyzes pollutants and contaminants. It is used to characterize material properties.

The future of spectroscopy is based on the advances and development of more sensitive and portable spectrometers. Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for improved data interpretation and combining multiple spectroscopic techniques will enhance the quick analysis and interpretation of the results of a given sample subjected to test.

 

SOURCES:

• Spectroscopy by S.D Walker.
• Spectroscopy by Edward Charles Cyril Baly.
• Spectroscopy by Brown.
• Molecular spectroscopy by John M. Brown.
• Organic spectroscopy by D.W Brown, A.J Floyd and M. J Sainsbury.
• Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy by Joseph B. Lambert and Eugene P. Mazzola.