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Absorption Spectroscopy

Absorption spectroscopy is used in chemistry and physics to identify the characteristic and unchanging absorption spectrum for specific elements and compounds. The absorption of quanta of light by substances is determined by the promotion and demotion of electrons to and from atomic and molecular orbitals, and the measured wavelengths are individual and unique to each substance.

In absorption spectroscopy, x-rays can be used to reveal the chemical composition of a substance, and different isomers are revealed by near ultraviolet to near infrared wavelengths. Absorption spectra are measured with a spectrophotometer. This disperses transmitted light with a diffraction grating to measure the relative strength of each band in the absorption spectrum of a substance.

When preparing a sample, visible light absorption can be measured through anything that is clear – polystyrene, quartz, and pyrex are commonly used for sample preparation. Outside the visible spectrum, samples are generally prepared with sodium chloride plates, which means that the sample cannot be dissolved in anything that dissolves salt. Mineral oil and potassium bromide are common substitutes.

Web Resources On Absorption Spectroscopy

Theoretical principles of Absorption Spectroscopy
Absorption Spectroscopy

Book Resources On Absorption Spectroscopy

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry: Theory, Design and Applications by S.J. J. Haswell
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Applications in Agriculture, Biology and Medicine by Gary D. Christian, Fredric J. Feldman

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