Spectroscopy Matters

Why is spectroscopy important?

Spectroscopy is a technique used to study the interaction between matter and light across a wide range of wavelengths or frequencies. Spectroscopy is used in various fields of science and technology, including chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, material characterization, forensic analysis, medical diagnostics, and astronomical studies.

Why it matters

The benefits of spectroscopy are broad. It affects a vast range of unexpected things, from improving the quality of your food to the hunt for criminals. We can apply various spectroscopic techniques in virtually every area of scientific research - from environmental analysis and biomedical sciences to space exploration.

We will go deep into the technology, including discussing Raman spectroscopy, a vibrational study of matter, fluorescence, and the Excitation-Emission Matrix.

The science has come a long way. Engineers have made improvements to detectors, software, and overall design. It has affected speed, miniaturization, price, and reliability.

Fluorescence spectroscopy, carried out by a Rutgers University researcher, found that the contents on the labels of over-the-counter supplements do not always match the ingredients.

Traditional methods of testing the grapes are slow, expensive and cumbersome. Fluorescence spectroscopy can characterize the phenolic content in grapes and wine faster, cheaper, and with greater flexibility than traditional methods, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.

Fluorescence spectroscopy can produce a molecular fingerprint of the contents of the milk by measuring molecules based on luminescent signals in response to a beam of light. Testers can get results through fluorescence spectroscopy instantly, unlike more expensive technologies, like gas chromatography.

Biomass crane for handling Waste, Slag, Sludge, Straw bale

Scientists use Raman spectroscopy to see the reactions of engineered catalysts and understand the processes. They can then create chemical compounds that convert biomass into products with greater value, increase conversion efficiency and add properties to the end product.