Ask AI: 1100 WORDS INTRODUCTION TO IR SPECTROMETER .INTEXT REFERENCE

Infrared Spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) is a significant analytical technique in the field of chemistry due to its ability to provide explicit information about the molecular structure of a compound. Broadly speaking, IR spectroscopy refers to the study and interpretation of the interaction between infrared radiation and matter, predominantly in the organic molecules (Gallardo-Vega et al., 2020). The foundation of its working principle is the molecular vibration resulting from the absorption of radiation, which offers valuable insights into the type and number of chemical bonds present in the molecule. The device used to carry out this technique is termed an Infrared Spectrometer. This instrument exhibits a spectrum of light that is segmented and isolated into its component colors or wavelengths. Put simply, an IR spectrometer works by passing a beam of IR light through a sample and reading the transmitted light. The sample will absorb some portion of the light, whilst the remaining transmitted portion reaches the detector. By comparing the two, the machine can provide a reflection of the various about of light absorbed at each wavelength (Smith, 2011). The infrared spectrometer is composed of three main components: an energy source, a detector, and a means of plotting the results. Energy source or the IR radiation source generates the infrared light. The detector used in IR spectrometry is often a thermal detector, which responds to a change in temperature because of the light absorbed by the sample (Hollas, 2004). Substantial developments have been made in IR Spectrometry since its conception. Revolutionary strides like Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry have made it possible to obtain higher resolution and sensitivity. Furthermore, advancements such as Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) have simplified the process of sample preparation for solid and liquid samples (Stuart, 2004). One of the prime reasons for the widespread use of IR spectroscopy is its versatility. It can be employed for quantitative and qualitative analysis of both organic and inorganic samples. The technique is particularly effective in identifying functional groups and determining molecular conformation (Chalmers and Griffiths, 2002). In summary, the IR spectrometer provides an indispensable tool in scientific research. Its ability to provide unique molecular fingerprints makes it a reliable tool for characterization and identification of a multitude of compounds. References: - Chalmers, J. M., & Griffiths, P. R. (2002). Handbook of Vibrational Spectroscopy. John Wiley & Sons. - Gallardo-Vega, C., Mora, J., Ascacio-Valdes, J., Aguilar, C. N., & De La Garza, H. (2020). Infrared Spectroscopy for Food Quality Analysis and Control. Infrared Spectroscopy - Principles, Advances, and Applications. - Hollas, J.M. (2004). Modern Spectroscopy. John Wiley & Sons. - Smith, B. C. (2011). Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. CRC Press. - Stuart, B. (2004). Infrared Spectroscopy: Fundamentals and Applications. Wiley.