Fourier transform near-infrared analyzers

For a wavelength X, and an optical retardation 5, one expects that the amplitude of the resultant beam after recombination (the interference signal) will be 

Therefore for fixed v and a linearly changing 5, the output of the ideal two-beam interferometer is a cosine function. In other words it is a cosine modulator of the original DC light source. The modulation frequency observed in the AC output of the FTIR spectrometer detector is dependent on the rate at which 5 is increased or decreased, and is given by 

2 Practical Aspects of Operation the Advantages of FTIR-based Analyzers 

It is a commonplace that FTIR-based analyzers are the predominant technology for mid-infrared applications. This arises from a unique tie-in between the inherent advantages of the FTIR method and serious limitations in the mid-infrared range. The most serious problem for mid-infrared spectroscopy is the very low emissivity of mid-infrared sources combined with the low detectivity of mid-infrared thermal detectors. 

This causes a direct and severe conflict between the desire for good SNR and optical resolution, when any 

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Near-infrared Spectroscopy for Process Analytical Technology 127 5.3.4 Fourier transform near-infrared analyzers... 

Finally, in the field of full-spectrum NIRS methods, Fourier transform near-infrared (FTIR) analyzers are included (Figure 5.5). FTIR techniques are predominant in mid-infrared spectroscopy because there are clear and absolute advantages for the FTIR analyzer in the mid-infrared compared with any other available technology. This arises because of the low power output of mid-infrared sources and the low specific detectivity... 

Figure 4.1.14. The Bruker Matrix-E, a Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer (Bruker Optics Inc., 19 Fortune Drive, Manning Park, BiUerica, MA 01821-3991) (A) illustrating the noncontact measuring concept and (B) mounted for analyzing sugarcane pulp passing underneath.

D Commercial COTS controlled by external computer Hybrid systems such as automated dissolution workstation with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) interface Liquid chromatographs, gas chromatographs, UV/Vis spectrophotometers, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers, near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, atomic absorption spectrometers, thermal gravimetric analyzers, COTS automation workstations... 

Commercial analyzers mainly intended for laboratory use have been adapted with optical fibers to most spectrophotometers (Photonetics Sodety). Assemblies of fibers on spec-trofluorimeters [82,199] and Raman [167,177,193,200], infrared (IR), near-IR [189] mid-IR [201], and Fourier transform (FT) IR [202,203] spectrometers have already proved their value for remote spectroscopic sensing. However, these units are only partially adequate for continuous in situ process control because of their weak dynamic range after coupling of fibers and a maladjusted numerical aperture with respect to optical fibers. Photodiode-array instruments, without spectral scanning, are nevertheless the best for on-line control. This class includes the series of Hewlett-Packard HP 8450-8452 spectrophotometers and the Fluo 2(X)1 spectrometer (Dilor Society) [175] for fluorimetric and Raman determinations. 

Pioneering work by the Alix laboratory on the secondary structure of human elastin and the solubilized K-elastin, estimated the molecule to be composed of 10% a-helices, 35% P-strands and 55% undefined conformation. These estimations were based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), near infrared Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) (15). To further investigate the nature of the elasticity, polypeptides of hydrophobic sequences containing exons 3, 7, and 30 of human elastin were analyzed by CD and Classic Raman spectroscopy, revealing polyproline II (PPII) helix secondary structures in both the aqueous and solid phase. Further analysis of exon 30 by FTIR spectroscopy determined that this sequence was characterized by both PPII as well as p-sheets structures (15). The presence of these structures were dependent on temperature, concentration and / or time, where lower temperatures and concentrations favored the PPII structure and higher temperatures and concentrations favored p-sheets (16). 

Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are the most important spectroscopic methods for analyzing coating materials. Near infrared Fourier transform (NIRFT) Raman spectroscopy [10.8] also has great potential, particularly for aqueous systems. UV/VIS spectroscopy is used only in exceptional cases, e.g., to determine light protection agents (UV absorbers). 

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