Spectroscopy Wavelength e-newsletter:
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January 12, 2016
 
To ring in the new year, the Spectroscopy editorial team has compiled the 15 most popular articles of the last year. With topics ranging from IR spectral interpretation and the state of the art in ICP-MS and Raman spectroscopy to how to prepare reference standards and solutions, these informative articles offer a wealth of technical know-how, unique insight, and perspective.
 

1. IR Spectral Interpretation Workshop
There is a continuing need for Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) users to receive training in how to interpret the infrared spectra they measure, and this new column by Brian C. Smith provides practical advice about how to do this. This first installment discussed some basic IR theory and laid out a blueprint for future installments.

2. Analysis of the State of the Art: ICP-MS
In honor of Spectroscopy's celebration of 30 years of covering the latest developments in materials analysis, we asked a panel of experts to assess the current state of the art of inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and to try to predict how the technology will develop in the future.

MSACL 2016 US - Clinical Mass Spectrometry Conference
Conference, Exhibits and Short Courses, Feb 21-25, 2016, Palm Springs, CA. Fifteen short courses covering MALDI, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Sample Preparation, Tissue Imaging, Toxicology, R Statistical Programming, and LC-MSMS courses from beginner to expert levels.  Up to seven scientific tracks over three days, and 43+ exhibitors. Poster submission after December 16 may be considered, if space is available.Registration Link

3. How to Design a Miniature Raman Spectrometer
In this article, we described the key factors that influence the overall size of a spectrometer, such as the diffraction grating groove density and detector size. Furthermore, we demonstrated compact Raman spectrometer designs as small as 30 mm X 30 mm in footprint.

4. In Situ FT-IR Analysis of Soils for Forensic Applications
Although handheld FT-IR spectrometers now make it possible to carry out field-based FT-IR analysis of soils at a crime scene, reliable and tested protocols are not yet available for such work. Here, we discussed sampling options and described tests of a methodology that is being developed for in situ FT-IR analysis of soil samples.

5. Analysis of the State of the Art: Raman Spectroscopy
In honor of Spectroscopy's celebration of 30 years covering the latest developments in materials analysis, we asked a panel of experts to assess the current state of the art of Raman spectroscopy and to predict how the technology will develop in the future.

6. Determining Elemental Impurities in Pharmaceutical Materials: How to Choose the Right Technique
Although implementation of the new United States Pharmacopeia chapters <232> and <233> on elemental impurities has been delayed, pharmaceutical analysts should start planning now to meet the new requirements. This comparison of the capabilities of four major atomic spectroscopy techniques — flame atomic absorption, electrothermal atomization, ICP-optical emission spectrometry (OES), and ICP-MS — will help you choose the most appropriate analytical technique to meet the requirements of the new USP chapters as well as those of other analytical problems you are asked to solve.

7. Choosing the Best Regression Model
Which regression method (or model) is better or best when compared to others? Here is a discussion of a mathematical and rational process that is useful for selecting the best predictive model when using regression methods for spectroscopic quantitative analysis.

8. Down to Earth: Measurements of Geological, Coal, and Soil Samples with LIBS
This article explored the use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for measurements of elemental concentrations and bulk properties of heterogeneous, earthen-based samples.

Explore the Science of Cannabis at the 2016 Emerald Conference
Devoted exclusively to the Science of Cannabis, the annual Emerald Conference takes place January 21-22, 2016, at the Monte Carlo Resort in Las Vegas.  With a focus on Analytical Testing, R&D, Clinical Applications, ILC/PT’s, State Regulations, and Industry Standardization, this year’s conference features more than 25 industry professional speakers, Q&A Discussion Panels, and Networking Receptions.

9. How Do You Prepare Reference Standards and Solutions?
ISO Guide 80, “Guidance for the In-House Preparation of Quality Control Materials” provides important advice. We have distilled it down to the core information you need to know.

10. Trends in Spectroscopy: A Big-Picture Look at Recent Innovations and Future Directions
Recent federal science and technology initiatives are focusing public attention and funding on the need for innovative research in environmental quality, sustainability, medicine, and advanced materials. Spectroscopy techniques will undoubtedly play a significant role in addressing these and other global challenges. In this context, this article broadly surveyed recent trends in spectroscopic techniques and instrumentation.

11. Determining Trace Elements in Edible Oils Using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry
During the processing of edible oils, the analysis of trace metals, which can promote oxidation, is important. This article presented a study of metals in edible oils using radial-view ICP-OES and discussed the most suitable wavelengths, background correction, and integration times.

12. Resonance Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and Imaging of Few-Layer MoS2
Resonance and off-resonance Raman spectroscopy and imaging were used to examine the spatial variation of the solid-state structure and electronic character of few-layer MoS2 flakes. Simultaneous acquisition of photoluminescence spectra with the Raman scattering provided complementary ways of rendering Raman and photoluminescence spectral images of thin-film MoS2.

13. Elemental Analysis of Goji Berries Using Axially and Radially Viewed Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry
A method for the multielemental determination of metals and nonmetals in goji berries by axially and radially viewed ICP-OES was presented.

14. What's the Most Meaningful Standard for Mass Spectrometry: Instrument Detection Limit or Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Do the signal-to-noise ratios presented by instrument vendors accurately reflect improvements in mass spectrometers? We reviewed factors influencing the validity of vendor SNR specifications, and argued that the statistical alternative of instrument detection limits is more consistent with regulatory guidelines and a more relevant indicator of instrument performance.

15. The State of the Art of Flow-Through Solid-Phase Spectrometry
Flow-through solid-phase spectrometry lowers reagent and sample consumption and decreases waste generation.

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   New Webcasts

Editors' Series: New Applications of ICP-MS in Bioanalysis
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
8 am PST/ 10 am CST/ 11 am EST
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Think Blank: Clean Chemistry Tools for Atomic Spectroscopy
Thursday, January 28, 2016
10 am EST/ 9 am CST/ 7 am PST
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