Two-trace two-dimensional (2T2D) correlation spectroscopy – A method for extracting useful information from a pair of spectra

Abstract

Two-trace two-dimensional (2T2D) correlation spectroscopy, where a pair of spectra are compared as 2D maps by a form of cross correlation analysis, is introduced. In 2T2D, spectral intensity changes of bands arising from the same origin, which cannot change independently of each other, are synchronized. Meanwhile, those arising from different sources may and often do change asynchronously. By taking advantage of this property, one can distinguish and classify a number of contributing bands present in the original pair of spectra in a systematic manner. Highly overlapped neighboring bands originating from different sources can also be identified by the presence of asynchronous cross peaks, thus enhancing the apparent spectral resolution. Computational procedure to obtain 2T2D correlation spectra and their interpretation method, as well as an illustrative description of the basic concept in the vector phase space, are provided. 2T2D spectra may also be viewed as individual building blocks of the generalized 2D correlation spectra derived from a series of more than two spectral data. Some promising application potentials of 2T2D correlation and integration with established advanced 2D correlation techniques are discussed.