Reflecting the myriad changes and advancements in the technologies involved in FTIR, particularly the development of diamond ATRs, this second edition of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has been extensively rewritten and expanded to include new topics and figures as well as updates of existing chapters.

Designed for those new to FTIR, but with enough reference material to appeal to journeyman and expert spectroscopists, this book does not demand any extensive familiarity with chemistry or physics. Specializing in concise and comprehensible explanations of FTIR topics, the author introduces the field of infrared spectroscopy, including the strengths and weaknesses of FTIR as a chemical analysis technique. He then describes the instrument itself and explores topics such as how an interferometer generates a spectrum, optimization of spectral quality, and which tests are used to monitor instrument health.

The book discusses how to properly use spectral processing to increase the information of a spectrum without damaging the data and takes considerable care in instructing on sample preparation, as good sample preparation constitutes half the battle in extracting good data. The final chapters examine single analyte quantitative analysis and conclude with an overview of infrared microscopy.

Drawing on the experience and knowledge of the author as both a professor and practitioner, Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy offers up-to-date information given in clear, easily understood language to appeal to beginner and expert spectroscopists alike.

The author maintains a website and blog with supplemental material. His training course schedule is also available online.

Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy
Terms and Definitions
The Properties of Light
What Is an Infrared Spectrum?
What Are Infrared Spectra Used For?
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Infrared Spectroscopy
The Advantages and Disadvantages of FTIR
The Advantages of FTIRs
The Disadvantage of FTIR
FTIR: The Rest of the Story

How an FTIR Works
Interferometers and Interferograms
How Many Scans Should Be Used?
How an Interferogram Becomes a Spectrum
Scanning Advice
Instrumental Resolution
What Determines Resolution in an FTIR Scan?
What Resolution Should Be Used?
FTIR Trading Rules
FTIR Hardware
Interferometers
Infrared Sources
Beamsplitters
Infrared Detectors
The Laser
Testing Instrument Quality and Troubleshooting

Proper Use of Spectral Processing
The Rules of Spectral Processing
Spectral Subtraction
Subtraction Artifacts
Baseline Correction
Smoothing
Spectral Derivatives
Deconvolution
Guidance, Precautions, and Limitations
Spectral Library Searching
The Search Process
Interpreting Library Search Results
Analysis of Mixtures: Subtract and Search Again

Preparing Samples Properly
Transmission Sampling Overview
Windows, Cells, and Materials for Transmission Analysis
Transmission Analysis of Solids and Powders
KBr Pellets
Mulls
Transmission Analysis of Polymers
The Cast Film Method
The Heat and Pressure Method
Transmission Analysis of Liquids
Capillary Thin Films
Sealed Liquid Cells
Transmission Analysis of Gases and Vapors
Reflectance Analysis
Different Types of Reflectance
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reflectance Sampling
Specular Reflectance
Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFTS)
Abrasive Sampling
Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)
Depth of Penetration
Applications of ATR
Liquids
Semi-Solids
Polymers
Powders
ATR: Advantages and Disadvantages
FTIR Sample Preparation: Overview and Recommendations

Quantitative Infrared Spectroscopy
Terms and Definitions
Beer¿s Law
Calibration and Prediction with Beer¿s Law
Calibration
Prediction
An Experimental Protocol for Single Component Analyses
Measuring Absorbances Properly
Peak Areas versus Peak Heights
Dealing with Overlapped Peaks
Avoiding Experimental Errors

Infrared Microscopy
Hyphenated Infrared Techniques
Infrared Microscopy Instrumentation
Sample Preparation
Applications
Infrared Mapping and Imaging

Glossary

Index

Dr. Brian C. Smith founded Spectros Associates in 1992. He has practiced spectroscopy for over 30 years, and has worked for companies such as Bell Labs and Bio-Rad. Dr. Smith is also an experienced trainer and thousands of people have benefited from his spectroscopy and software training. Dr. Smith is the author of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Infrared Spectral Interpretation, published by CRC Press, and Quantitative Spectroscopy: Theory and Practice, published by Academic Press. Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, and graduated summa cum laude from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Chemistry.