Solid, powdered samples are often prepared for infrared (IR) spectroscopy analysis in the form of compressed pellets. The intense scattering of incident light by such samples inhibits applications of more advanced IR spectroscopic techniques, such as two-dimensional (2D)-IR spectroscopy. We describe here an experimental approach that enables the measurement of high-quality 2D-IR spectra from scattering pellets of zeolites, titania, and fumed silica in the OD-stretching region of the spectrum under flowing gas and variable temperature up to ∼500 ◦C. In addition to known scatter suppression techniques, such as phase cycling and polarization control, we demonstrate how a bright probe laser beam comparable in strength with the pump beam provides effective scatter suppression. The possible nonlinear signals arising from this approach are discussed and shown to be limited in consequence. In the intense focus of 2D-IR laser beams, a free-standing solid pellet may become elevated in temperature compared with its surroundings. The effects of steady state and transient laser heating effects on practical applications are discussed.

Two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy has recently emerged as a powerful tool with applications in many areas of scientific research. The inherent high time resolution coupled with bond-specific spatial resolution of IR spectroscopy enable direct characterization of rapidly interconverting species and fast processes, even in complex systems found in chemistry and biology. In this minireview, we briefly outline the fundamental principles and experimental procedures of 2D IR spectroscopy. Using illustrative example studies, we explain the important features of 2D IR spectra and their capability to elucidate molecular structure and dynamics. Primarily, this minireview aims to convey the scope and potential of 2D IR spectroscopy by highlighting select examples of recent applications including the use of innate or introduced vibrational probes for the study of nucleic acids, peptides/proteins, and materials.

Vibrational spectroscopy has a long history as an important spectroscopic method in chemical and pharmaceutical analysis. Instrumentation for infrared (IR) spectroscopy was revolutionized by the introduction of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. In addition, easier sampling combined with better sample-to-sample reproducibility and user-to-user spectral variation became available with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) probes and their application for in situ IR spectroscopy. These innovations allow many new applications in chemical and pharmaceutical analysis, such as the use of IR spectroscopy in Process Analytical Chemistry (PAC), the quantitation of drugs in complex matrix formulations, the analysis of protein binding and function and in combination with IR microscopy to the emergence of IR imaging technologies. The use of ATR-FTIR instruments in forensics and first response to 'white powder' incidents is also discussed. A short overview is given in this perspective article with the aim to renew and intensify interest in IR spectroscopy.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a widely used technique for evaluation of protein secondary structure. In this chapter, we focus on the application of this analytical technique for analysis of inclusion bodies. After a general introduction to protein analysis by IR spectroscopy, different approaches for spectra acquisition, data processing, and secondary structure evaluation are presented.

The applications of near-IR spectroscopy to process analysis using a Fourier transform spectrometer are described. In recent years, process analysis based on near-IR spectroscopy has received keen interest from a growing number of industries. Some configurations of Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) interferometers used for process analysis are introduced as special optical systems for the realization of stable and reproducible performance. Moreover, the applications of NIR spectroscopy to process analysis using FT-NIR spectrometers are overviewed and two examples of applications are described in more detail. Furthermore, process analytical technology (PAT) for the pharmaceutical industry is introduced as a future trend of the application of FT-NIR spectroscopy, and a dual-wavelength system that can combine NIR and IR spectra is discussed as a newly proposed PAT tool for understanding processes.

This article aims to overview infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Simultaneously, it outlines mid-infrared (MIR), near-infrared (NIR), and far-infrared (FIR) or terahertz (THz) spectroscopy separately, and compares them in terms of principles, characteristics, advantages, and applications. MIR spectroscopy is the central spectroscopic technique in the IR region, and is mainly concerned with the fundamentals of molecular vibrations. NIR spectroscopy incorporates both electronic and vibrational spectroscopy; however, in this review, I have chiefly discussed vibrational NIR spectroscopy, where bands due to overtones and combination modes appear. FIR or THz spectroscopy contains both vibrational and rotational spectroscopy. However, only vibrational FIR or THz spectroscopy has been discussed in this review. These three spectroscopy cover wide areas in their applications, making it rather difficult to describe these various topics simultaneously. Hence, I have selected three key topics: hydrogen bond studies, applications of quantum chemical calculations, and imaging. The perspective of the three spectroscopy has been discussed in the last section.

Polysaccharides are important biomacromolecules with numerous beneficial functions and a wide range of industrial applications. Functions and properties of polysaccharides are closely related to their structural features. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a well-established technique which has been widely applied in polysaccharide structural analysis. In this paper, the principle of IR and interpretation of polysaccharide IR spectrum are briefly introduced. Classical applications of IR spectroscopy in polysaccharide structural elucidation are reviewed from qualitative and quantitative aspects. Some advanced IR techniques including integrating with mass spectrometry (MS), microscopy and computational chemistry are introduced and their applications are emphasized. These emerging techniques can considerably expand application scope of IR, thus exert a more important effect on carbohydrate characterization. Overall, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive insight to applications of IR spectroscopy in polysaccharide structural analysis and highlights the importance of advanced IR-integrating techniques.

Today, most synchrotron facilities offer beamlines dedicated to infrared (IR) spectroscopy and IR microspectroscopy. The main advantage of synchrotron-based infrared spectroscopy is the brightness of the synchrotron radiation source which can provide a brightness two or three orders of magnitude higher than a thermal (black-body radiation) infrared source. Thus, synchrotron-based infrared spectroscopy allows a high spatial resolution (infrared microspectroscopy) and a high spectral resolution, especially for low-throughput technologies and far-infrared spectroscopy. In this article, a brief introduction to synchrotron-based infrared spectroscopy and its application will be given.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy occupies a specific spot across the field of bioscience and related disciplines. Its characteristics and application potential differs from infrared (IR) or Raman spectroscopy. This vibrational spectroscopy technique elucidates molecular information from the examined sample by measuring absorption bands resulting from overtones and combination excitations. Recent decades brought significant progress in the instrumentation (e.g., miniaturized spectrometers) and spectral analysis methods (e.g., spectral image processing and analysis, quantum chemical calculation of NIR spectra), which made notable impact on its applicability. This review aims to present NIR spectroscopy as a matured technique, yet with great potential for further advances in several directions throughout broadly understood bio-applications. Its practical value is critically assessed and compared with competing techniques. Attention is given to link the bio-application potential of NIR spectroscopy with its fundamental characteristics and principal features of NIR spectra.

In situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for the molecular-level study of interfacial electrochemistry. This report presents a brief overview on selected publications over the past 3 years related to the application of in situ ATR-IR to electrochemical systems of fundamental and practical interests, and gives opinions on the technical development as well as the future applications in electrochemical systems.