Surface analysis techniques using light technologies

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy is one of the most widely used techniques for surface infrared analysis. Although the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light was described by Newton in the early 17th century, it was not until much later that Harrick and, independently, Fahrenfort were to exploit this phenomenon to obtain absorption spectra and develop the ATR technique. When applied to the study of in situ kinetics of adsorption and reaction of species at liquid/ solid interfaces, ATR spectroscopy can yield valuable surface-chemical data. Such studies have been carried out in a variety of research and technological areas, including biomembranes, biofilms, thin film structure and reactivity, and electrochemistry. ... 

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