Infrared Spectra of a Single Human Hair

Abstract We have recently shown that it is possible to carry out nondestructive infrared (IR) spectroscopic studies of solid objects which are very large1–4. It is, however, of equal interest to be able to examine objects which are very small. Consequently, we have recorded spectra of a single human hair, using IR Fourier transform photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy (PBDS)1–8.