spectroanalysemethoden

Spectroanalytical methods are analytical techniques used to determine the composition of materials by examining their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. These methods rely on the principle that each element or compound absorbs, emits, or scatters light at characteristic wavelengths, allowing for precise identification and quantification.

One of the most common spectroanalytical techniques is **atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)**, which measures the absorption of light by free atoms in the gaseous state. A sample is vaporized into a flame or plasma, and the absorption of light at specific wavelengths is detected. This method is highly sensitive and selective, particularly for trace metal analysis.

**Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES)**, including techniques like inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), involves exciting atoms or ions in a plasma to emit light at characteristic wavelengths. The emitted light is dispersed and detected, providing quantitative elemental analysis. ICP-OES is widely used for multi-element determination in complex matrices.

**X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF)** is another key technique, where a sample is irradiated with high-energy X-rays, causing it to emit secondary X-rays at element-specific energies. This method is non-destructive and suitable for solid samples, making it valuable in materials science and archaeology.

**Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy** focus on molecular vibrations rather than atomic transitions. IR spectroscopy analyzes the absorption of infrared light by molecular bonds, while Raman spectroscopy detects scattered light at shifted frequencies. Both are essential for organic and inorganic compound identification, including functional group analysis.

**Mass spectrometry (MS)**, often combined with spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ICP-MS), ionizes atoms or molecules and measures their mass-to-charge ratio. This provides high-resolution elemental and molecular composition data, making it indispensable in chemistry, biology, and environmental analysis.

Spectroanalytical methods are widely applied in industries such as environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical development, metallurgy, and forensic science due to their precision, sensitivity, and versatility. Advances in instrumentation continue to expand their capabilities, enabling faster and more accurate analyses.