Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Second Edition

Reflecting the myriad changes and advancements in the technologies involved in FTIR, particularly the development of diamond ATRs, this second edition of Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has been extensively rewritten and expanded to include new topics and figures as well as updates of existing chapters.

Designed for those new to FTIR, but with enough reference material to appeal to journeyman and expert spectroscopists, this book does not demand any extensive familiarity with chemistry or physics. Specializing in concise and comprehensible explanations of FTIR topics, the author introduces the field of infrared spectroscopy, including the strengths and weaknesses of FTIR as a chemical analysis technique. He then describes the instrument itself and explores topics such as how an interferometer generates a spectrum, optimization of spectral quality, and which tests are used to monitor instrument health.

The book discusses how to properly use spectral processing to increase the information of a spectrum without damaging the data and takes considerable care in instructing on sample preparation, as good sample preparation constitutes half the battle in extracting good data. The final chapters examine single analyte quantitative analysis and conclude with an overview of infrared microscopy.

Drawing on the experience and knowledge of the author as both a professor and practitioner, Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy offers up-to-date information given in clear, easily understood language to appeal to beginner and expert spectroscopists alike.The author maintains a website and blog with supplemental material. His training course schedule is also available online.

A veteran trainer and consultant in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Smith introduces the technology to non-chemists and others new to it, and provides a concise reference for those who already use it. A nodding familiarity with freshman chemistry and physics would be helpful, he says, but not really necessary. After an introduction to infrared spectroscopy in general, he covers how it works with Fourier transforms, the proper use of spectral processing, preparing samples properly, quantitative infrared spectroscopy, and infrared microscopy. He has completely rewritten the 1996 edition to reflect changes in the technology, and his increased experience teaching it. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Upon the initial publication the first edition, this text quickly became a bestsellign industry standard. Completey revised and updated, the second edition teaches the basics of FTIR spectroscopy to those new to the field and serves as an outstanding reference for experienced users. Highly accessible, this book explains difficult theoretical concepts using a multitude of diagrams and a minimum of complex mathematics. It covers spectral data manipulation, step-by-step handling instructions, and a discussion of the 15 pitfalls of quantitative analysis. A comprehensive glossary offers quick and easy definition of key FTIR terms.