Spectroscopy

Spectroscopic analysis is fundamental to the understanding of both the properties of materials and chemical, physical and biological processes.

It is a basic tool for the understanding and development of novel materials and processes.
It is furthermore routinely used for analysis, problem solving and diagnosis.
Any one regime of spectroscopy can only probe a limited range of physical properties.
Therefore the availability of a full range of techniques is essential for any competitive research programme.

The Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub houses a suite of spectroscopic instruments, including:

• ultraviolet/visible/near infra red absorption spectrometer and two Fourier Transform infrared microscopes, allowing measurement of material absorption continuously from the UV to the IR,
• a fluorescence spectrometer allowing measurement of luminescence across the visible,
• three Raman spectroscopic microscopes providing vibrational analysis which complements the FTIR, and
• a scanning polarimeter for measurement of circular dichroism and optical rotary dispersion across the visible spectrum.

A range of voltage and current sources are available for in situ spectro-electrochemistry and measurements can be performed over a wide temperature range (20K - 600K).