Infrared spectroscopy

Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy (pronunciation: in-fruh-red spek-tros-kuh-pee) is a technique used in chemistry and physics to identify and study molecules by infrared absorption. The term originates from the Latin spectro meaning "image" or "apparition" and scopy meaning "to look at" or "examine".

Definition

Infrared spectroscopy involves the interaction of infrared radiation with matter. It covers a range of techniques, most commonly Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This method can be used to identify and study chemicals. A molecule can be identified by observing its infrared absorption spectrum, the details of which are unique to the particular molecule's structure.

History

The concept of infrared spectroscopy was developed in the 19th century following the discovery of infrared light by William Herschel in 1800. The first instruments used for infrared spectroscopy were developed in the early 20th century.

Applications

Infrared spectroscopy is used in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, physics, and astronomy. It is particularly useful in the identification of organic and inorganic compounds in a sample. In medicine, it is used in diagnostic procedures, particularly in the identification of cancer cells.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Infrared spectroscopy
Wikipedia's article - Infrared spectroscopy

This MedicineGPT article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski

Infrared spectroscopy