Spectrometric

Spectrometric refers to techniques or instruments used to measure spectra produced by interactions between matter and energy. In practice, spectrometric methods analyze the distribution of light or other energy across wavelengths or masses to identify and quantify chemical species.

Common spectrometric methods include optical techniques such as ultraviolet–visible, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry. In atomic and molecular spectrometry, substances are excited or irradiated, and the resulting spectral signals—absorbance, emission, or scattered light—are measured. Mass spectrometry yields a mass spectrum of ion intensities versus mass-to-charge ratio, which is also a form of spectrometric analysis.

Prominent examples of spectrometric techniques include atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic emission spectrometry (AES), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), UV–Vis spectrometry, infrared (IR) and Raman spectrometry. These methods vary in their physical principles, detection limits, and suitability for different elements or compounds.

Applications of spectrometric methods span environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, materials characterization, food safety, and forensics. Quantitative results rely on proper calibration, use of standards, and appropriate sample preparation to address matrix effects and potential interferences. Instrumentation ranges from benchtop spectrophotometers to high-end mass spectrometers, reflecting the broad utility of spectrometric analysis in chemistry and related fields.