Problems with FT-IR Spectra and How to Avoid Them
TeakOrigin
Jenni Briggs
Pike Technologies
Course: SC070
1/2 Day Course
Beginner Level
Wednesday: 03/20/2019
Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy
$350 ($475 after 2/25/19)
Course Description
Users of FT-IR spectrometers may have received little or no formal training in spectroscopy and therefore cannot distinguish between “good” and “bad” spectra. In this course, we will show many of the problems that are commonly encountered with FT-IR spectra measured by inexperienced (and often experienced!) users and show how to avoid them.
Problems can appear from the instrument, the sample accessory and/or presentation. Since the bulk of the samples that are currently analyzed are done by Attenuated Total Reflection we will cover it in detail. We will also address common problems associated with other accessories. This year we will also be including a “tricks of the trade” component to the class.
Technical controls for applications and audit trails themselves for use by review by exception are discussed and there are interactive and workshop elements to the short course.
Target Audience
This course is designed for scientists and engineers running infrared spectra who want to understand what constitute good spectra and how to achieve that using a variety of sampling techniques. It is particularly aimed at those students who are not familiar with all the sampling techniques available and how they impact the quality of the spectrum.
Course Outline
Reflection spectroscopy including ATR, Diffuse Reflection and Reflection Absorption
• the effect of poor contact on internal reflection elements
• not fully covering the beam in an internal reflection element
• band distortions from all types of reflection spectra
• the effect of front surface reflection on diffuse reflection spectra Measurement Effects
• spectral shifts introduced on vignetting (changing the beam diameter or shape)
• the effect of resolution on interpretation and spectral searching
• assigning a structure based on the first hit of a spectral search Transmission spectroscopy
• the effect of scattering, excessively thick samples, temperature changes and air bubbles on solution spectra
• the effect of atmospheric water vapor and carbon dioxide
• interference fringes
• artifacts seen on spectral subtraction
• band distortions encountered during the measurement of polymer fibers
As a new component, we will address tips and tricks which are not typically taught in most training situations and address typical contaminants found in infrared spectroscopy.
Instructor Biography
The course will be team taught by Ellen Miseo, Jenni Briggs and Gloria Story. All three are practicing spectroscopists in industry and have hands-on practical experience with the material under discussion.
Ellen Miseo has practiced infrared spectroscopy for her entire career. Her primary interest is in infrared microscopy and infrared imaging. Her accomplishments include development of equipment as well as foreseeing customer trends and adapting to them. Dr. Miseo is Past President (2016) of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy and a member of the Coblentz Society and the American Chemical Society.
Jenni Briggs is the Senior Applications Engineer at Pike Technologies, a supplier of infrared, Raman and UV/Vis accessories. Jenni spends her time discussing spectroscopic techniques with a diverse set of instrument users.
Gloria Story is a Senior Scientist at Procter & Gamble working in vibrational spectroscopy. Her experience includes spectral interpretation. Her professional goals center around problem-solving and fundamental understanding of spectroscopy. She is the regional affairs coordinator for the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, Past Secretary for SAS, and a member of the Coblentz Society.
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