FTIRanalyysejä

FTIRanalyysejä, or FTIR analysis, is a spectroscopic technique used to identify and quantify chemical substances. FTIR stands for Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. This method relies on the principle that molecules absorb specific frequencies of infrared light based on their vibrational modes. When infrared radiation passes through a sample, certain frequencies are absorbed, causing the bonds within the molecules to vibrate at different energies. The remaining, unabsorbed radiation is then detected.

A Fourier Transform is used to process the raw data (an interferogram) and convert it into a spectrum. This spectrum displays the intensity of absorbed infrared radiation as a function of wavenumber (which is related to frequency). Each chemical compound has a unique FTIR spectrum, often referred to as its "fingerprint," due to the specific arrangement of atoms and the types of chemical bonds present. This unique fingerprint allows for the identification of unknown substances by comparing their spectra to databases of known compounds.

FTIR analysis is a non-destructive technique and can be applied to a wide range of sample types, including solids, liquids, and gases. It is widely used in various fields such as chemistry, materials science, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and quality control. For example, it can be used to identify polymers, detect contaminants, verify the composition of materials, or study chemical reactions. The speed and sensitivity of modern FTIR spectrometers make it a valuable tool for routine analysis and research.