FTIR Spectroscopy

This entry hasn't been published on the original site yet — here's a short technical overview instead.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shines infrared light on a sample and measures which wavelengths get absorbed. Because nearly every chemical bond vibrates at a characteristic frequency, the result is a kind of molecular fingerprint of the sample.

Why "Fourier transform"?

Rather than measuring one wavelength at a time, an interferometer captures all frequencies simultaneously. A Fourier transform then converts that raw signal into the actual absorption spectrum — making the method much faster than older, dispersive techniques.

Where it's used

• Identifying unknown organic and inorganic compounds.
• Quality control in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
• Studying polymers, coatings, and thin films.

FTIR is considered a fast, non-destructive standard method that works equally well on gases, liquids, and solids.