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15801 Graham St.
Huntington Beach CA 92649
(714) 895-4465 Fax (714) 893-4682
e-mail: lab@photometrics.net


Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)



FTIR spectroscopy is used primarily for qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic compounds, and also for determining the chemical structure of many inorganics.


FTIR microscope

FTIR analysis applications include:

Principle of Operation

Because chemical bonds absorb infrared energy at specific frequencies (or wavelengths), the basic structure of compounds can be determined by the spectral locations of their IR absorptions. The plot of a compound's IR transmission vs. frequency is its "fingerprint", which when compared to reference spectra identifies the material. FTIR spectrometers offer speed and sensitivity impossible to achieve with earlier wavelength-dispersive instruments. This capability allows rapid analysis of micro-samples down to the nanogram level in some cases, making the FTIR unmatched as a problem-solving tool in organic analysis.

The FTIR microscope accessory (shown in the photo above) allows spectra from a few nanograms of material to be obtained quickly, with little sample preparation, resulting in more data at lower cost. In some cases, thin films of residue are identified with a sensitivity that rivals or even exceeds electron or ion beam-based surface analysis techniques.

There are few sample constraints; solids, liquids and gases can be accommodated. Many contaminants present on reflective surfaces such as solder pads or printed circuitry are readily analyzed in situ using the FTIR microscope in reflectance mode.

More information on infrared spectroscopy:

Basic theory of infrared spectroscopy
Identifying organic structure by FTIR


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