The course will cover the following topics:

Data Collection

• Make sure the instrument is performing properly

• How the parameters you choose impact the spectrum

• Collection modes

Measurement Effects

• Spectral shifts introduced on vignetting (changing the beam diameter or shape)

• Function of J-stop (or spectrometer aperture)

• The effect of atmospheric water vapor and carbon dioxide

• How to select the correct spectral resolution for the sample and experiment

• Spurious spectral bands

Transmission spectroscopy

• Liquid cells – why and how to use them

• The effect of scattering, thick samples, temperature changes and air bubbles on solution spectra

• Interference fringes

• Artifacts seen on spectral subtraction

Reflection spectroscopy including ATR, Diffuse Reflection and Reflection Absorption

• ATR elements, Samples and Critical Angle

• Effect of poor contact on internal reflection elements

• Not fully covering the beam in an internal reflection element

• Diffuse reflection correct procedures (including different types of sampling accessories)

• Band distortions from all types of reflection spectra

• The effect of front surface reflection on diffuse reflection spectra

Data Processing

• Searching

  • How and Why

  • Effects of data collection on search results

  • Assigning identification based on first hit

• Baseline correction

• Spectral Subtraction

• Further processing