Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is the most frequently used technique in our laboratory for identification of organic (carbon-based) materials. Some inorganic compounds are also routinely identified by FTIR.

The technique involves the interaction of infrared radiation (IR) with a sample by either transmission of an IR beam through the sample or by reflection of an IR beam off of the sample. Absorbance of certain wavelengths of the IR beam by the sample can be related to the presence of specific functional groups present in the sample. Thus, we can determine chemical information based on the wavelengths and intensities of IR bands absorbed by the sample.