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Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview

When electromagnetic radiation passes through a material, atoms or molecules transition from a lower to a higher energy state by absorbing radiation corresponding to the energy difference between the two states. The absorption of infrared (IR) radiation causes transitions between vibrational energy levels in a molecule. Therefore, IR spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for determining the molecular structure of molecules.
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...

IR Spectrum

IR Spectrum

When infrared (IR) radiation passes through a molecule, the bonds stretch or bend by absorbing the radiation. This absorption creates the molecule's absorption spectrum, which is the plot of its percentage transmittance versus wavenumber.
Transmittance is defined as the ratio of the radiant power passing through a sample to that from the radiation's source. Multiplying the transmittance by 100 gives the percent transmittance (%T), which varies between 100% (no absorption) and 0% (complete...

IR Frequency Region: Fingerprint Region

IR Frequency Region: Fingerprint Region

IR spectra are divided into two main regions: the diagnostic region and the fingerprint region. The diagnostic region of the spectrum lies above 1500 cm−1. The absorptions resulting from single-bond vibrations of the N–H, C–H, and O–H stretch at higher wavenumbers and appear on the left side of the spectrum. The stretching absorptions of the C≡C and C≡N occur between 2100–2300 cm−1. In contrast, those arising from stretching absorptions of the C=O, C=N, and C=C occur between 1600–1850 cm−1.
The...

IR Spectrometers

IR Spectrometers

There are two main infrared (IR) spectrophotometers: dispersive IR spectrometers and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. In a dispersive IR spectrometer, a beam of infrared radiation produced by a hot wire is divided into two parallel equal-intensity beams using mirrors. One beam passes through the sample, while another is a reference beam. The beams then move through the monochromator, which separates the radiations into a continuous spectrum of different frequencies. The...

Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview

Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview

Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to study the composition of materials. It is widely employed in chemistry, materials science, forensic science, and other fields where sample characterization is required. ATR has several advantages over traditional transmission IR spectroscopy, including the requirement of little to no sample preparation and the ability to analyze a wide range of samples.
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...

IR Frequency Region: X–H Stretching

IR Frequency Region: X–H Stretching

In IR spectroscopy, signals produced by the X−H bonds (such as C−H, O−H, or N−H) can be observed in the frequency range of 2700–4000 cm–1. The C−H stretching vibration forms sharp bands in the region 2850–3000 cm–1. The presence of the O−H stretching vibration leads to the forming of an absorption band in the frequency range 3650–3200 cm−1. At the same time, N−H stretching can be confirmed by absorption bands in the 3500–3100 cm−1 range. Even though both O−H and N−H bonds vibrate at a similar...

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Improving Infrared Spectroscopy Characterization of Soil Organic Matter with Spectral Subtractions

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Infrared Aircraft Spectra Over Desert Terrain 8.5 micro to 16 micro.

W A Hovis, L R Blaine, W R Callahan

|January 14, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Atmospheric gases and haze significantly attenuate radiation, impacting remote sensing accuracy. Surface temperature readings can be erroneous due to these atmospheric effects, especially at higher altitudes.

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Published on: January 10, 2025

Area of Science:

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Remote Sensing Technology

Background:

Accurate surface temperature measurement is crucial for various environmental monitoring applications.
Atmospheric conditions can significantly interfere with infrared radiation-based remote sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the spectral characteristics of atmospheric attenuation in the 8.5-16 micrometer interval.
To assess the impact of atmospheric gases and haze on remote sensing of surface temperatures.
To evaluate the influence of altitude on the detectability of surface emissivity.

Main Methods:

Acquisition of spectral data at various altitudes over desert terrain.
Analysis of upwelling radiation within the 8.5-16 micrometer spectral window.
Comparison of equivalent blackbody temperatures with surface characteristics.

Main Results:

Significant attenuation of upwelling radiation by atmospheric gases and haze was observed across the entire spectral interval.
Equivalent blackbody temperatures decreased with altitude, even in clear atmospheric conditions, indicating potential errors in surface temperature remote sensing.
Surface emissivity characteristics were discernible at lower altitudes but became obscured by ozone at 10 km.

Conclusions:

Atmospheric attenuation poses a significant challenge for accurate remote sensing of surface temperatures.
Altitude and atmospheric composition, particularly ozone, affect the reliability of emissivity measurements.
Further research is needed to develop correction methods for atmospheric interference in remote sensing applications.