Infrared microspectroscopy small-size samples

In many studies, particularly those related to materials and forensic science, it is frequently necessary to measure a mid-infrared spectrum from a trace amount of a sample or a sample of small size. In some circumstances, this may be accomplished by using a beam-condenser accessory within the conventional sample compartment of a Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. Perhaps today though, it is more convenient to use infrared microspectrometry (often commonly referred to as infrared microspectroscopy or even infrared microscopy). Based on an optical microscope (or infrared microscope) coupled to an FT-IR spectrometer, it is one of the most useful methods for structural analysis of such samples and can often be undertaken in a non-destructive manner [1, 2]. 

Martoglio et al. (75, 16) and Jakes et al. (77) used microspectroscopy to find evidence of dyes, but the results were inconclusive due to the small sample size, and the lack of a comparative dye plant collection and associated spectra. Sibley and Jakes (18) researched the colored textiles of Etowah burial 57. Since it contained no iron, the iron-containing minerals that are thought of as ochre1 could not have been the source of the colorant. Furthermore, the researchers found organic bands in infrared spectra of these fibers that revealed not only the proteinaceous nature of the mineralized fibers, but also other bands that were attributed to dye. 

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