Practical Infrared Microspectroscopy – FTIR (1422)
This course provides beginning and experienced FTIR microscope users with instruction in the most practical aspects of vibrational spectroscopy.
There is no prerequisite for this class.
Dates Offered:
May 24-28, 2010
COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS
Emphasis is placed on maximizing instrument performance through the use of the most appropriate methods (e.g. ATR, reflection/absorption, transmission) and using novel sample preparation techniques.
An entire day is devoted to sample preparation techniques which provide increased detection limit and minimize the problem of interferences. Lecture and exercise topics include: instrument hardware, spectral interpretation, sample preparation, searching IR spectra databases and integrating FTIR microspectroscopy with data from other methods (e.g. polarized light microscopy, micro-crystal tests).
The enrollment in each class is kept small to ensure a high instructor to student ratio.
There is no prerequisite for this class.
Day 1:
Introduction to infrared radiation; Infrared microspectroscopy hardware: Transmission FTIR, Reflection/absorption (ARO) FTIR, Attenuated total reflection (ATR) FTIR; Basic software techniques
Day 2:
Theory of infrared spectroscopy; Introduction to spectral interpretation; Advanced software techniques; Introduction to polarized light microscopy (PLM) part 1: homogeneous samples
Day 3:
Introduction to polarized light microscopy (PLM) part 2: heterogeneous samples; Introduction to particle handling; Using tungsten needles; Basic FTIR preparation techniques; Micropipettes and their uses
Day 4:
Advanced FTIR preparation techniques; Unknown sample analysis using both PLM and infrared microspectroscopy
Day 5:
Introduction to microchemical methods; Case examples combining PLM and FTIR Analysis
Note: This course runs Monday Friday with class ending at noon on Friday.