Spectroscopy

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In our July issue:
COLUMNS
Atomic Perspectives
X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Part II: Sample Preparation
John Anzelmo, Mathieu Bouchard, and Marie-Ève Provencher
In quantitative XRF analyses, the largest errors generally arise from sample preparation. This article provides the information you need to avoid such errors, by presenting the fundamental assumptions necessary to prepare a bulk powder material for the best possible accuracy. It also explains the physics involved during the excitation and emission processes, the major sources of error in preparing powders, and the basics of grinding and pressing, and the fusion method of sample preparation.

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Lasers and Optics Interface
Current and Emerging Laser Sensors for Greenhouse Gas Detection and Monitoring
Michael B. Frish and Mark A. Druy
In the study of global warming, obtaining good data demands widely deployed, accurate, and reliable sensors for identifying and understanding the origins, sources, and fates of greenhouse gases. Sensing technologies based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy are starting to provide some of these critical data.

Spectroscopy Spotlight
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A Closer Look at the Capabilities of LIBS
Dr. Richard R. Hark, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, discusses his work with LIBS in applications such as forensic science, conflict minerals, and geochemical fingerprinting.

PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE
Rapid Determination of Trace Metals in Oil Using Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Gabriel Chu, David Guinea, and Peter T. Palmer
Determination of trace metals in oil and petroleum typically is based on ICP-OES methods, requiring significant sample preparation and expensive instrumentation. This article presents an alternative method, based on the use of a handheld energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyzer, that involves minimal sample preparation, uses authentic standards for calibration, gives low parts-per-million detection limits, and provides significant time and cost savings.

ON DEMAND WEBCASTS

Clinical Applications of LC-MS: Development and Research Application of a Highly Sensitive LC-MS Method for Quantification of a Cholesterol Protein in Plasma

Part Two: Editors’ Series: Contaminant Characterization in Drinking Water: Green Methodologies

Complete Inorganic Elemental Speciation Solutions for Environmental Applications

Confocal Raman Imaging for Industrial R&D Applications

Features of Different Mass Analysers Applied to Multi-Allergen Screening

Part Three: Editors' Series: Analysis and Identification of Emerging Contaminants and their Transformation Products in River Water, Urban Water, and Hospital Wastewaters: Sample Preparation and LC-MS Techniques

Interest of High Resolution ICP-OES for Rare Earth Elements Analysis in Various Applications, From Geology to Permanent Magnets

Editors’ Series: Analysis of Mercury at Parts-Per-Trillion Levels by ICP-MS Using Microwave Sample Preparation

Exploding Common Myths About Modular Spectroscopy