Richard A. Larsen

Polymer laminates typically make complex samples for infrared analysis, comprising multiple layers with defined thicknesses, in some cases less than 10 µm. When measuring extremely narrow laminate layers, the use of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) may provide improved spectra of the laminate cross-section, because ATR microscope objectives offer a greater spatial resolution than transmission due to additional magnification. This paper details the preparation of polymer laminate sample cross-sections and the collection of transmission and ATR spectra of various layers. Further analysis of the laminate spectra will also be explored utilizing a multivariate curve resolution (MCR) algorithm. An example laminate sample is examined utilizing all the tools available on a standard FT-IR microscope.

Cosmetic preparations are common consumer products that consist of various organic and inorganic materials. In this paper, a method for the identification and spatial discrimination of the components in eye shadow samples using laser Raman microspectroscopy is described. The use of a multivariate curve resolution (MCR) is utilized during the analysis of the cosmetic preparation mapping data to develop the spatial discrimination information presented within this note.

This article investigates Raman imaging for the study of the reaction process involved in the curing of cyanoacrylate adhesives.

Raman confocal spectroscopy is increasingly being applied for the analysis of embedded contaminants within materials. A non-contact, non-destructive analysis method, Raman spectroscopy requires very little sample preparation, has greater spatial resolution compared to FT-IR microscopy and the confocal analysis method allows visualization of materials within a clear sample matrix. This paper will investigate the analysis of an embedded contaminant within a polymer matrix on a glass substrate.

The authors discuss the use of FT-NIR to identify several different types of drug formulations.

Raman microspectroscopy is an ideal method for the examination of marketable gemstones because of the lack of sample preparation involved and the nondestructive nature of Raman analysis.