Spectroscopy Instrumentation

Explore the spectroscopy instrumentation available in the College of Science, including descriptions, capabilities, and common applications.

Anasazi EFT-90 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (NMR)

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is the most important experimental technique for the structural characterization of molecules. This technique is particularly critical for structural studies of biologically-derived molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Low-field NMR spectroscopy provides vital structural information for routine organic and inorganic samples, making it ideal for tracking student syntheses. It is heavily utilized across graduate research programs as well as within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Example Use Cases:

  • Resolving structural information for small molecules like pharmaceuticals
  • Checking and verifying the outcomes of chemical synthesis reactions

Thermo Nicolet iS50 High Resolution Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR)

FTIR spectroscopy is an essential analytical technique in synthetic and analytical chemistry used to identify and characterize virtually any molecular compound. The underlying principles of IR spectroscopy show that molecules vibrate while chemical bonds stretch and bend when they absorb infrared radiation.

This system supports work in organic synthesis, polymer science, petrochemical engineering, biological research, the pharmaceutical industry, and food analysis. Integrated Raman scattering capabilities offer high sensitivity to material phase, polymorphism, and solid form, which is useful for discriminating between different crystalline states.

Example Use Cases:

  • Analyzing chemical composition of thin films and surface coatings
  • Distinguishing between different structural states of graphene and graphite