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January 13, 2015 To kick-start 2015, the Spectrosocopy editorial team has compiled the 14 biggest stories of the last year. From group theory and vibrational spectroscopy to advances in molecular spectroscopy, and trends in atomic spectroscopy to our annual salary survey, these popular pieces stand for their technical know-how, unique insight, and perspective.   1. Practical Group Theory and Raman Spectroscopy, Part I: Normal Vibrational Modes The top highlight of 2014 as chosen by the Spectroscopy Editorial team discussed group theory, an important component for understanding the fundamentals of vibrational spectroscopy. Here David Tuschel investigated, in a two-part series, the application of group theory for practical use in laboratory vibrational spectroscopy. Featured Products New Level of EDXRF Excellence Smart Sample Loading WDXRF Incorporating a new high-performance semiconductor detector, Shimadzu's EDX-7000/8000 spectrometers offer excellent sensitivity, resolution, and throughput for an array of applications, from general screening analysis to advanced materials research. Learn more Rigaku's Smart Sample Loading System adds a new dimension of flexibility to the ZSX Primus WDXRF. For sample types that are amenable, a vacuum chuck can be used to load samples into pre-loaded sample holders. Read more 2. Emerging Technology Trends in Atomic Spectroscopy Are Solving Real-World Application Problems Recent developments in inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, microwave-induced plasma–optical emission spectrometry, X-ray spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy are highlighted here through examples of the diverse range of sample types they are analyzing and the unique application problems they are being asked to solve. Photo Credit: fatmayilmaz/Getty Images 3. Advancements in Molecular Spectroscopy: Instrumentation and Applications A look at recent advancements in three major areas of molecular spectroscopy: infrared, Raman, and fluorescence. Improvements in instrumentation and the development of new techniques have greatly enhanced imaging, sensing, and understanding fundamental chemical principles. 4. LIBS Basics, Part I: Measurement Physics and Implementation This column was the first of a three-part series focusing on major aspects of LIBS. This installment concentrated on the basics of the measurement and typical implementations. Parts I and II of the series covered what you need to know about hardware and about how to derive the analytical answer from LIBS measurements. Photo Credit: Yuji Sakai/Getty Images 5. 2014 Spectroscopy Salary Survey: Change is Afoot Our annual salary survey looked at the employment markets faced by spectroscopists in 2014, and the results were surprising. The average salary decreased for the first time since 2008, with government and nationally funded laboratory employees experiencing the biggest drop in average salary. Featured Products ChemReveal LIBS Desktop Elemental Analyzer Miniature 12W X-ray Source The ChemReveal™ LIBS Desktop Analyzer offers rapid elemental analysis of solid materials. Based on advanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, the ChemReveal system is designed to analyze light elements (H, He, Li, Be…Mg, Al, etc.) and heavy metals simultaneously to determine bulk and trace element compositions.  Read more Moxtek's new 12W Miniature Source has a higher voltage and emission current then present miniature x-ray sources, critical for faster and more precise XRF analysis of heavy and light elements at low concentrations.  Read more 6. 2014 Review of Spectroscopic Instrumentation Our annual review of new spectroscopy products includes information about instruments, accessories and software for atomic spectroscopy (ICP, LIBS, AA, X-ray spectroscopy), molecular spectroscopy (Raman, IR, UV-vis, NMR) and mass spectrometry.. 7. GLP and GMP Approaches to Method Validation — Going the Same Way? Columnist Bob McDowall reviewed the USP stimulus paper on the revision process to adopt quality-by-design principles for the development, validation, and operation of analytical procedures used for good manufacturing practice analysis — and analyzed how it compares to a draft guidance from the FDA on the validation of analytical and bioanalytical procedures. 8. Measuring Orientation in Polymer Films The mechanical properties of polymer films such as tensile strength and resistance to tearing depend strongly on the orientation of the polymer chains. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy can be used to measure the degree of orientation both within the plane of the film and normal to it. Characterization of Functionalized Nanoparticles Using Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry January 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM EST. To Register Free at: www.spectroscopyonline.com/ambient 9. Raman Spectra of Metal Oxides Metal oxides often occur in crystals where there are no molecular units. Here, columnist Fran Adar provided an introduction to the concepts that need to be understood when analyzing metal oxides in materials such as paint, ceramic pigments, corrosion films, catalysts, and minerals. 10. X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Part II: Sample Preparation In quantitative XRF analyses, the largest errors generally arise from sample preparation. To address that problem, this article presented the fundamental assumptions necessary to prepare a bulk powder material for the best possible accuracy. It also explained the physics involved during the excitation and emission processes, the major sources of error in preparing powders, and more. Featured Products Research-Grade Modular Spectrograph Fiber Probe Couplers Andor’s new Shamrock 193 mm focal length ‘imaging’ spectrograph is designed for UV-NIR low-light fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy applications. Wide-apertures slit, C-mount and ‘cage system’ accessories allow modular building of micro-spectroscopy setups. Andor Technology, Belfast, UK;  Read more FlexiSpec® fiber probe couplers from art photonics GmbH provide efficient coupling of various fiber probes with FT-spectrometers for in-line reaction monitoring in any part of 0,2-17µm  spectral range and eliminate time-consuming sampling process. Robust design of FlexiSpec® probes enables remote process-spectroscopy control for liquid, gaseous and solid media under harsh conditions – impossible for common lab tests of samples. Learn more Photo Credit: Getty Images 11. How Trace Elemental Analysis Provides Important Insight into Wine Chemistry Examples highlight how elemental fingerprinting could provide valuable information about the geographical origin of a food or beverage as well as how different steps in the production of wines impact their elemental composition. Photo Credit: FotografiaBasica/Getty Images 12. What's New in Testing Pharmaceuticals for Metals: Metals and Limits in Limbo The requirements for testing pharmaceutical products for elemental impurities have been in a state of flux for several years. This article explained the changes so far to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapters <232> and <233>, the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), impending changes, and options for preparing for those changes. 13. A New Mass Spectrometry Method for Analyzing Complex Samples Steven J. Ray of the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University, won the 2014 Lester W. Strock award for his work with a new form of mass spectrometry for analyzing complex samples — distance-of-flight MS. In this interview, Ray talked about this concept. 14. ICP Emission Spectrometry: Arsenic at 228 nm — Interferent or Analyte? A comparison of several performance criteria such as full width at half maximum, background equivalent concentrations, limits of detection, purge requirements, and results for some substances for the "traditional" As lines at 188.979, 193.696, and 197.197 nm for the "new" line at 228.812 nm.