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Instructor: Dr. Brian C. Smith
Why Take This Course?
- Learn to optimize scanning parameters for the best results
- Discover the best troubleshooting techniques to keep your instrument healthy
- Save time and money by choosing the right sampling technique the first time
- Grasp how to properly analyze all your samples including solids, powders, liquids, and polymers
- See how Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) makes analyzing many samples fast and easy
Course Length: Two 8-hour days taught online
I. The Basics of FTIR
A. Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy
1. The Properties of Light
2. What is an Infrared Spectrum?
3. Infrared Spectroscopy: Good and Bad Points
B. The Advantage of FT-IR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio
C. The Disadvantage of FTIR: Water and CO2 Peaks
II. How an FT-IR Works
A. Interferometers & Interferograms
B. How a Spectrum is Produced
C. Optimizing Spectral Quality
D. FTIR Hardware
1. Infrared Sources
2. Beamsplitters
3. Detectors: DTGS and MCT
4. The He-Ne Laser
E. Instrument Troubleshooting
III. Dealing with Mixtures
A. Spectral Subtraction
1. Theory
2. Optimizing Subtraction Results
3. Spotting Artifacts
B. Library Searching
1. Background & Theory
2. The Search Process
3. Properly Interpreting Search Results
4. Subtract & Search Again
IV. Infrared Microscopes
A. How an Infrared Microscope Works
B. Preparing Samples
C. Applications
1. Forensics
2. Biological Samples
3. Molecular Mapping
V. Forensic Extractions and Reactions
VI.Transmission Sampling
A. Advantages & Disadvantages
VII. Transmission Sampling of Solids
A. KBr Pellets
B. Mulls
VIII. Transmission Sampling of Polymers
A. Cast Films
B. The Heat & Pressure Method
IX. Transmission Analysis of Fluids
A. Capillary Thin Films
B. Sealed Liquid Cells
C. Gases and Gas Cells
X. Reflectance Sampling
A. Advantages
B. Disadvantages
XI. Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFTS) for Solids and Powders
A. Sample Prep.
B. Applications
C. Abrasive Sampling
XII. Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR): A Technique for Many Samples
A. Theory & Background
B. Depth of Penetration
C. Depth Profiling
D. Quantitative Analysis
XIII. Applications of ATR
1. Polymers
2. Semi-Solids: Gels, Waxes, Pastes etc.
3. Organic & Aqueous Liquids
4. Powders