Infrared Molecular Vibrational Spectroscopy

Abstract In this chapter, the use of infrared spectroscopy for the identification of materials, molecules and functional groups through their characteristic absorption patterns in the mid‐infrared (4000‐400 cm −1 ) region of the electromagnetic spectrum is discussed. Starting from a simple treatment of the mechanism of excitation of vibrational absorption and the application of group theory methods, it moves on to aspects of spectroscopic instrumentation and sampling methods. Some topical examples of the use of modern infrared spectroscopy in physics, chemistry, biology, and atmospheric science are also presented.