Due to its exceptional mix of flexibility, sensitivity, resilience, and specificity, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a tremendously popular technique today. FTIR spectroscopy is now one of science’s most frequently used analytical instrumental techniques and can handle solid, liquid, and gaseous analytes. But how does it work? Let’s find out!
What Are FTIR Spectroscopy Instruments?
FTIR Spectroscopy Instruments are quick, simple, and accurate methods for identifying and quantifying the components of a sample. FTIR spectroscopy is derived from IR spectroscopy, and in the late 1950s, the first generation of IR spectrometers was developed. The first generation used an optical splitting prism technology.
But in the 1960s, the world was introduced to IR spectrometers of the second generation. Then, the development of FTIR Spectroscopy, a third-generation IR spectrometer. Thus, it signaled the monochromator’s demise and the interferometer’s rise. The replacement greatly increased the power of FTIR spectrometers. As a result, many uses for FTIR spectrometers have been realized.
How Does an FTIR Spectroscopy Instrument Work?
The sample absorbs some infrared light, but some passes through (transmitted). Then, the resulting spectrum serves as a molecular fingerprint of the material by depicting molecule absorption and transmission. And no two different molecule configurations create the same infrared spectrum, similar to a fingerprint.
Thus, Agilent FTIR spectroscopy instruments are perfect for identifying unknown substances or materials, their quality or consistency, and the amount. Below is the usual instrumental process:
FTIR Sample Analysis Process
1. Emits Infrared Light
A glowing black body source emits infrared light. The beam goes through an aperture that regulates the energy delivered to the sample (and, ultimately, to the detector).
2. The Beam Enters
The interferometer is where the “spectral encoding” happens after the beam enters it. The interferometer then lets go of the generated interferogram signal.
3. Enters the Sample Compartment
Depending on the analysis performed, the beam enters the sample compartment. The beam either passes through or is reflected off the sample’s surface. Here, particular energy frequencies distinctively typical of the sample are absorbed.
4. Measured
After passing through the detector, the beam is finally measured. The detectors are specifically made to measure the unique interferogram signal.
5. Fourier Transformation
The measured signal is converted to digital form and delivered to the computer, which undergoes the Fourier transformation. The user is then shown the finished infrared spectrum for interpretation and any additional editing.
Application and Advantages of FTIR Spectroscopy Instruments
FTIR spectroscopy instruments are widely used in food analysis, polymer science, organic synthesis, petrochemical engineering, and the pharmaceutical sector. Furthermore, researchers can use such equipment to look at the workings of chemical reactions and detect unstable chemicals.
FTIR spectroscopy instruments are highly favored because the measurements are made in just a few seconds. Plus, FTIR significantly improves sensitivity. Another advantage is mechanical simplicity. The interferometer’s moving mirror is the only constantly moving component in FTIR spectroscopy instruments. Therefore, the likelihood of mechanical failure is extremely low.
Molecular Research With FTIR Spectroscopy Instruments
Due to its adaptability, it has been used in more contexts than this article has space to cover. Applications for various medical and pharmaceutical fields are becoming more widespread. With the price, its simplicity of use, and the information it can produce, FTIR occupies a special “sweet spot” in science.
