Jerome Workman, Jr.

Researchers from Tsinghua University and Beihang University in Beijing have developed a deep-learning-based data processing framework that significantly improves the accuracy of dual-comb absorption spectroscopy (DCAS) in gas quantification analysis. By using a U-net model for etalon removal and a modified U-net combined with traditional methods for baseline extraction, their framework achieves high-fidelity absorbance spectra, even in challenging conditions with complex baselines and etalon effects.

A Researcher from Lomonosov Moscow State University has developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra recognition. This AI-based system is capable of classifying 17 functional groups and 72 coupling oscillations with remarkable accuracy, providing a significant boost to material analysis in fields like organic chemistry, materials science, and biology.

On July 20th, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by becoming the first humans to land on the moon. Today, 54 years later, Spectroscopy magazine highlights how spectroscopy is playing a role in advancing space exploration.

A Nature study reports the discovery of diverse organic-mineral associations in the Máaz and Séítah formations within Jezero crater on Mars, as observed by the Perseverance rover's SHERLOC instrument. The Raman and fluorescence findings indicate the presence of aromatic organic molecules within Martian soils.

The past decision to use binary representation in computer architectures affects the results of chemometric-based outputs, especially if different data values are used.

In this third part of this four-part series on spectroscopy instrument components, we take a closer look at components used in atomic spectroscopy instrumentation—from beryllium and Kapton windows used in X-ray analysis to sampler and skimmer cones and plasma torches for ICP systems.

Lu Wei of the California Institute of Technology, the 2022 winner of the Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award, is applying stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy for bioanalysis, spectroscopy-informed design of vibrational imaging probes, and sample-engineering strategies.

This issue presents a selection of peer-reviewed articles on the subject of infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

We examine variations of the multiple linear regression (MLR) algorithm confer special properties on the model that the algorithm produces and critique the use of derivatives in calibration models.

In this second part of this four-part series on spectroscopy instrument components, we take a closer look at optical components or subassemblies used for vibrational spectroscopy instruments.

High-performance instrumentation requires many critical components. We focus here on energy sources, lasers, and detectors.

Spectroscopists offer their views on the their salaries and working conditions, including how they are faring through the social and economic challenges still gripping the world.

Raw data produced by an NIR instrument undergoes some sort of processing, or transformation, to make them easier to use. In this series, we explore options for that data transformation, starting with multiple linear regression (MLR).

Resonant SEIRA overcomes the limitations of traditional Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for minute sample sizes of relatively low absorptivity. Frank Neubrech of Heidelberg University is exploring resonant SEIRA in applications such as monitoring dynamic processes and hyperspectral infrared chemical imaging.

Recently, we spoke to Scott M. Auerbach a professor of chemistry and chemical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, about his work in the use of Raman spectroscopy for zeolite structure characterization, which has focused on a collection of nine all-silica zeolites.

Solid-state silicon nitride (SiNx) nanopore sensors can be used to analyze natural and synthetic oligosaccharides and polysaccharides like the anticoagulant drug heparin. These sensors are providing an understanding of nanopore electrokinetics-mechanisms important for capillary electrophoresis with often outsized importance on the nanoscale. Recent work in the use of nanopores is providing a platform for the development of new assays applicable to clinical analysis for a variety of therapeutic molecules. Nanopore sensors can be combined with spectroscopic techniques for multiple analytical applications. Recently, we spoke to Jason R. Dwyer, of the University of Rhode Island (USA) and a FACSS Innovation Award winner from the 2019 SciX conference, regarding his work in this field. This interview is part of a series of interviews with the winners of awards that are presented at the SciX conference.

Ping-Heng Tan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is advancing the use of Raman spectroscopy to characterize graphene-based materials.

This year’s Atomic Spectroscopy award recipient, Jake Shelley, focuses on the development of plasma-based tools for mass spectrometry, which enable rapid and sensitive detection and identification of a broad range of analytes from complex matrices.

This interview with Jake Shelley, the 2020 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy award, describes his work on the underlying science behind desorption and ionization phenomena, as well as the issues associated with sample matrix effects inherent for plasma-based mass spectrometry.

A famous and admired professor of analytical chemistry, Gary M. Hieftje, is officially retiring. He has been a prominent faculty member at Indiana University for 50 years, and a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend to many. In this special feature, we take a look at his many contributions, and his broad impact on the field.

By pursuing research focusing on a fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying ambient desorption/ionization–mass spectrometry (ADI-MS), Jake Shelley, the 2020 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy award, has delved into the underlying science behind desorption and ionization phenomena as well as the issues associated with sample matrix effects inherent for plasma-based mass spectrometry.

Total-reflection X-Ray fluorescence analysis (TXRF) and grazing-incidence XRF (GIXRF) may be applied for surface and bulk trace element analysis of thin-layered systems. Burkhard Beckhoff of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany spoke to us about his recent work in this field.

By combining Raman spectroscopy, imaging, and chemometrics, Ishan Barman of Johns Hopkins University, the 2019 winner of the Emerging Leader in Spectroscopy award, develops novel approaches in which structural and molecular data converge to provide fresh insights into cancer, diabetes and an array of other diseases.

Ishan Barman, this year’s Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy award recipient, leads a research team combining spectroscopy, imaging, and chemometrics to seek greater understanding of the pathological changes of human cells and tissues.

In biology and medical research in areas such as the study of insulin, achieving greater temporal resolution and lower detection limits is critical. Christopher Easley, of Auburn University, and the winner of 2019 American Electrophoresis Society (AES) Mid-Career Award, is working to address this challenge.

Raman spectroscopy has been demonstrated as an analytical technique for characterizing disorder in two-dimensional (2D) crystalline material structures caused by the presence of defects (1). This disorder in 2D crystalline structures may be described from a dimensionality point of view, zero-dimensional (0D), or one-dimensional (1D) defects, expressed as points or lines, respectively. For characterization of the quantity of 0D and 1D defects respectively, two Raman measurement parameters are required as defect-induced activation of forbidden Raman modes, and defect-induced confinement of phonons. Professor Ado Jorio, of the Department of Physics at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil, recently talked to us about his research in this field.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and time-resolved two-dimensional LIBS have been applied as quantitative and qualitative analytical methods for multiple materials and matrices, from animal tissue, to archeological ceramics, to dairy products, to zeolite composition. We were recently able to interview Professor Jorge O. Cáceres, the Director of the Laser Chemistry Group in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, in Spain, who is working with LIBS for new method development. He recently spoke to us about his most recent LIBS research.

Barry Wise, the president of Eigenvector Research, is a renowned expert in chemometrics. We recently spoke to him to get his thoughts and opinions on the latest developments in chemometrics for the analytical sciences.

SciX Award winner Benedikt Schwarz explains his groundbreaking work in portable infrared devices.

Raman spectroscopy is a versatile tool to identify and characterize the chemical and physical properties of graphene-based materials (1-4). Raman spectroscopy provides information on graphene structures for fundamental research and for practical device fabrication. Raman scattering demonstrates the first- and second-order modes in intrinsic graphene as well as the shear, layer-breathing, and the G and 2D modes of multilayer graphene. Professor Ping-Heng Tan from the State Key Laboratory of Superlattices and Microstructures at the Institute of Semiconductors at the Chinese Academy of Sciences is carrying out new research to advance the use of Raman analysis of these materials. We recently interviewed Tan about this work.