Best of the Week: Handheld NIR Spectrometry, Previewing Pittcon, Icons of Spectroscopy

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that touch upon several important application areas such as atomic spectroscopy and artificial intelligence (AI). We also have a few articles dedicated to covering the upcoming Pittcon conference. Several key techniques are highlighted, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Happy reading!

Using Handheld NIR Spectrometry in the Classification of Polyolefin Films

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a key tool for sorting plastic waste, particularly polyolefins used in packaging. However, multilayer films pose challenges due to weak spectral signals. A recent study investigated how reflective backgrounds—such as copper, aluminum, gold, and silver—affect classification accuracy using a handheld NIR spectrometer (1). Results showed that reflective materials enhance spectral quality, improving differentiation between polyolefin and non-polyolefin films in a single measurement (1). These findings could optimize plastic recycling processes and address waste management challenges (1). Spectroscopy interviewed Hana Stipanovic, the study’s corresponding author, to discuss the implications of this research for improving plastic waste sorting.

Pittcon 2025: Highlighting Talks on Atomic Spectroscopy

Pittcon 2025 will feature sessions on atomic spectroscopy and elemental analysis, including a symposium on portable devices in art and archaeology. Led by Mary Kate Donais, it will explore portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and other tools for studying ancient artifacts (2). Talks include Marcos Martinon-Torres on pre-Hispanic ceramics in Colombia, Laure Dussubieux on pXRF and Raman spectroscopy in museum research, and Aaron Shugar on handheld XRF for sub-micron scanning (2). Donais will conclude with a study on Etruscan weaving tools, using spectroscopy to uncover insights into production, trade, and women’s roles (2). These presentations highlight the power of portable spectroscopy in cultural heritage research.

Pittcon 2025: Preview the Symposium on AI and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Pittcon 2025 is set to take place in Boston, bringing together industry professionals to explore advancements in laboratory science. A key focus in spectroscopy will be atomic and vibrational techniques, with a symposium on AI’s role in vibrational spectroscopy. Organized by Igor Lednev, this session will cover infrared (IR), near-infrared (NIR), and Raman spectroscopy for bioanalysis, forensics, and medicine (3). Jürgen Popp will discuss AI-driven Raman spectroscopy for rapid medical diagnostics, while Lednev will highlight AI-enhanced forensic applications, including blood identification (3). Talks by Ji-Xin Cheng and Shuxia Guo will further explore AI’s impact on vibrational spectroscopy, emphasizing its transformative potential across disciplines (3).

Featured Biographies for the Icons of Spectroscopy Laureate Series

Our “Icons of Spectroscopy” laureate series recognizes and honors some of the most famous spectroscopists who have made significant contributions to the field. These articles celebrate scientists whose work has significantly advanced modern spectroscopic methods used in current research and applications (4). Many of these notable spectroscopists have been commemorated through awards bearing their names (4). In this article, we spotlight the articles in this series.

Tomas Hirschfeld: Prolific Research Chemist, Mentor, Inventor, and Futurist

In this edition of “Icons of Spectroscopy,” executive editor Jerome Workman, Jr. explores the contributions Thomas Hirschfeld made to spectroscopy, biomedical diagnostics, and sensor technology (5). Tomas B. Hirschfeld (1939–1986) was a chemist known for his work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Block Engineering, which led to innovations like the first commercial Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and fiber-optic sensors (5). With over 100 patents and nearly 200 publications, his research in Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics continues to influence biomedical diagnostics, remote sensing, and chemical analysis today (5).

References

1. Chasse, J. Using Handheld NIR Spectrometry in the Classification of Polyolefin Films. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-handheld-nir-spectrometry-in-the-classification-of-polyolefin-films (accessed 2025-02-27).
2. Wetzel, W. Pittcon 2025: Highlighting Talks on Atomic Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pittcon-2025-highlighting-talks-on-atomic-spectroscopy (accessed 2025-02-27).
3. Wetzel, W. Pittcon 2025: Preview the Symposium on AI and Vibrational Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pittcon-2025-preview-the-symposium-on-ai-and-vibrational-spectroscopy (accessed 2025-02-27).
4. Workman, Jr., J. Featured Biographies for the Icons of Spectroscopy Laureate Series. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/featured-biographies-for-the-icons-of-spectroscopy-laureate-series (accessed 2025-02-27)
5. Workman, Jr., J. Tomas Hirschfeld: Prolific Research Chemist, Mentor, Inventor, and Futurist. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/tomas-hirschfeld-prolific-research-chemist-mentor-inventor-and-futurist (accessed 2025-02-27).