Spectroscopy-10-01-2008

In this tutorial, the authors explain how naturally occurring stable isotopes contribute to experimentally determined mass spectra and how this information can be exploited in quantitative experiments, structural elucidation studies, and tracer methodologies. The first installment of this series focuses on the theoretical aspects of stable isotopes and the calculation of their distribution patterns.

The authors present an overview of the chemical analysis process.

Columnist Fran Adar discusses the physical determinants of spatial resolution and developing methods to improve the mapping speeds of Raman images.

For a system of homogeneous equations to have a solution other than the trivial solution, the determinant of the system of equations must be zero.

Agilent's model 7500cx collision cell ICP-MS system uses pure helium as the collision gas. According to the company, the system is capable of eliminating or reducing all polyatomic interferences in any matrix under a single set of generic conditions.

Ellipsometry is the analysis of the change in the state of polarized light after it has reflected from the surface of a thin film sample. Laser ellipsometry, which has certain advantages and disadvantages, is a subset of this market. Applications for laser ellipsometry prinarily are related to the semiconductor and electronics industry, but its use in the life sciences could offer significant new demand.