Smith B.C. Fundamentals of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

CRC Press, 2011. — 198 p.Why write a second edition of Fundamentals of FTIR? Two reasons. First, much has changed since the first edition was published in 1996, particularly the development of diamond ATRs. Second, I have taught FTIR to thousands of people since 1992, and I now do a better job of explaining the important concepts of FTIR than I did then, which is reflected in this book. Those familiar with the first edition of Fundamentals of FTIR will recognize very little here; the book has been entirely rewritten and there are dozens of new figures. Topics have been added, expanded, and dropped as appropriate.
So, who do I think you are? This book is aimed at those new to FTIR, particularly non-chemists who need to use FTIR equipment and who seem to be the majority of new users these days. However, journeyman and expert spectroscopists should find this volume a useful reference for its concise and comprehensible explanation of FTIR topics. A nodding familiarity with freshman chemistry and physics will help while reading this volume, but is by no means a necessity. Chemists and nonchemists have told me they benefited from reading the first edition, and I expect the same will be true of this edition.
This book contains six chapters. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the field of infrared spectroscopy, including the strengths and weaknesses of FTIR as a chemical analysis tool. The second chapter, How an FTIR Works, is all about the instrument. Topics include how an interferometer generates a spectrum, optimizing spectral quality, and tests to monitor instrument health. Chapter 3 is a discussion of how to properly use spectral processing to increase the information content of a spectrum without damaging the data. My approach to this topic is as unique now as it was in the first edition. Chapter 4 is dedicated to sample preparation. Preparing samples is half the battle in getting a good spectrum—Chapter 4 will teach you to win that battle. The chapter is significantly expanded compared to the first edition, including a lengthening of the ATR section. Chapter 5 is dedicated to single analyte quantitative analyses. Entire books have been written on this topic (including one by me), but the goal here is to introduce you to enough of the theory and practice of this field to allow you to generate your own quality calibrations. Chapter 6 is an overview of infrared microscopy. I estimate that one third of the FTIRs in use have infrared microscope attachments, hence the need to cover this topic in an introductory book.Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy
How an FTIR Works
Proper Use of Spectral Processing
Preparing Samples Properly
Quantitative Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared Microscopy