Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

Researchers highlight the growing role of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technologies in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability. The study, published in Ain Shams Engineering Journal, explores the applications, benefits, and challenges of smart agriculture, emphasizing the potential of optical sensors in monitoring and optimizing farming practices.

In this "Icons of Spectroscopy" column, executive editor Jerome Workman Jr. details how Tomas B. Hirschfeld has made many significant contributions to vibrational spectroscopy and has inspired and mentored many leading scientists of the past several decades.

A recent study provides an in-depth overview of the latest advancements in infrared (IR) semiconductor sensor technology, highlighting new materials, enhanced detection capabilities, and expanding applications across industrial, medical, security, and environmental fields. The research explores how quantum dots, graphene, and novel nanomaterials are revolutionizing IR detection, paving the way for more efficient and versatile sensor systems.

At the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference (AAFS) 2025, several sessions will focus on the use of spectroscopy in forensic analysis.

Spectroscopy sat down with Samiksha Singh to discuss her team’s latest research in microplastics research, which provided insight into how marine monitoring can improve mitigation of plastic pollution.

W. W. Coblentz was one of the preeminent researchers in the field of infrared spectroscopy with work spanning a broad range of physics, chemistry, spectroscopic theory, instrumentation, applications, and sample handling. The Coblentz Society was established in his name in 1954 by Norman E. Wright and Van Zandt Williams.

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microscopy using reflection methods (diffuse reflection, reflection/reflection-absorption, or attenuated total reflectance) typically requires less sample preparation than transmission. However, optimal results will depend upon the sample and, in particular, the sample surface.

The study developed an effective mid-infrared spectroscopic identification model, combining principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM), to accurately determine the geographical origin of five types of millet with a recognition accuracy of up to 99.2% for the training set and 98.3% for the prediction set.

A new study published in Food Control combines Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and deep learning to accurately authenticate the geographical origin of Gastrodia elata f. glauca, offering a reliable method for geographical indication (GI) verification and fraud prevention in the herbal and food industry.

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human nails can serve as a reliable biological matrix for detecting fentanyl use. By combining attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy with machine learning, the study achieved over 80% accuracy in distinguishing fentanyl users from non-users. These findings highlight a promising, noninvasive method for toxicological and forensic analysis.

A recent study out of Ben-Gurion University investigated how Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FT-IR-ATR) spectroscopy can detect fungal contamination in bread.

Top articles published this week include a video interview that explores using label-free spectroscopic techniques for tumor classification, an interview discussing how near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can classify different types of horsetails, and a news article about detecting colorless microplastics (MPs) using NIR spectroscopy and machine learning (ML).

Researchers at the University of Lublin and the Medical University of Lublin have demonstrated the first application of FT-IR imaging in zebrafish larvae, revealing that frozen samples better preserve tissue structure than chemical fixation.

A research team is claiming significantly enhanced accuracy of non-invasive blood-glucose testing by upgrading Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) with multiple-reflections, quantum cascade lasers, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy, and machine learning. The study, published in Spectrochimica Acta Part A, reports achieving a record-breaking 98.8% accuracy, surpassing previous benchmarks for non-invasive glucose detection.

Spectroscopy recently sat down with Elise Granek, Susanne Brander, and Summer Traylor to discuss their recent study quantifying microplastics (MPs) and anthropogenic particles (APs) in the edible tissues of black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp.

Presentations held during the first half of SPIE Photonics West 2025 highlighted the latest technological advancements in spectroscopy and how they can improve quality of life for people around the world.

A recent study from Texas Tech University explored using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy in age determination as part of forensic investigations.

In the fourth installment of our review of infrared spectral interpretation, we will discuss the spectroscopy of hydrocarbons. We will look at the stretching and bending vibrations of methyl (CH3) and methylene (CH2) groups, how to distinguish them, and how to know whether one or both of these functional groups are present in a sample. We will also discuss aromatic hydrocarbons, specifically the C-H stretching and bending peaks of mono- and disubstituted benzene rings, and how to distinguish them.

This excerpt from The Concise Handbook of Analytical Spectroscopy, which spans five volumes, serves as a comprehensive reference, detailing the theory, instrumentation, sampling methods, experimental design, and data analysis techniques for each spectroscopic region.

A recent study from researchers in Brazil examined a-pinene’s chemical composition using mid-infrared (MIR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.

A recent study examines how vibrational spectroscopic techniques are being used to evaluate the quality of seaweed.

Spectroscopy recently sat down with Isao Noda of the University of Delaware and Young Mee Jung of Kangwon National University to talk about the principles of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) and its key applications.

Researchers from Northern Border University in Saudi Arabia have developed a rhein-loaded self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (RS-SNEDDS), significantly enhancing the compound's solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential, particularly for neurological applications.

A comprehensive review in the Microchemical Journal highlights ATR FT-IR spectroscopy's transformative role in forensic bloodstain analysis, detailing its applications, challenges, and potential advancements for more precise and reliable crime-solving methodologies.

A recent study looked at how spectroscopy can be used to differentiate ink based on its color and brand.

A recent study used Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and machine learning (ML) algorithms to understand the mineral content in camel’s milk.

A recent study explored how polymer-based tea bags contribute to the release of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPL).

It has occurred to me that, in the 10+ years I have been writing about molecular vibrations, I have never introduced my readers to its basic theory! I will rectify that now. Some of this is new material, and some will be review. Either way, it is important that all this material be covered in one place.

A new study in Infrared Physics & Technology highlights the pivotal role of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in identifying and quantifying microplastics, emphasizing its advantages, limitations, and potential for advancement in mitigating environmental pollution.