{"id":9329,"date":"2016-10-25T12:01:06","date_gmt":"2016-10-25T12:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/materials\/?p=9329"},"modified":"2021-06-11T13:51:46","modified_gmt":"2021-06-11T18:51:46","slug":"understanding-the-software-that-controls-your-raman-and-ft-ir-instruments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/materials\/understanding-the-software-that-controls-your-raman-and-ft-ir-instruments\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Software that Controls Your Raman and FT-IR Instruments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"spectroscopyThrough a unique combination of spectral identification tools, interpretation algorithms, libraries, and scientific documentation, the latest software for Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy<\/a> equipment can guide you in identifying materials and verifying assumptions\u2014eliminating typical analytical tasks\u2014so you get answers quickly and confidently.<\/p>\n

Raman spectroscopy<\/a> is essential to many applied scientific disciplines, including materials science of polymers and plastics. For example, Raman instruments can help you quickly identify defects even if you can\u2019t see them. Researchers are engineering new polymers with novel properties (strength, lightweight, heat resistance, protection, and bioinertia) that enable new products or replace traditional materials so accurate analysis is key to successful products.<\/p>\n

FTIR spectroscopy<\/a> is used to quickly and definitively identify compounds such as compounded plastics, blends, fillers, paints, rubbers, coatings, resins, and adhesives. It can be applied across all phases of the product lifecycle including design, manufacture, and failure analysis. This makes it a useful tool for scientists and engineers involved in product development, quality control, and problem solving. Key areas where infrared analysis adds value include: material identification and verification, copolymer and blend assessment, additive identification and quantification. contaminant identification\u2014bulk and surface, and molecular degradation assessment. [You can learn about Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the FTIR Spectroscopy Academy<\/a> section of our website.]<\/p>\n

The latest software enables lab workers and scientists to easily collect, view, manipulate and analyze spectral data from the instruments.\u00a0 One should become familiar with the instruments, and how they can be applied to the analysis in order to be able to solve analytical challenges.\u00a0 One of the best ways to learn about the instruments you use is through in person or video training.<\/p>\n

No matter which instrument you use, there should be basic training videos<\/a> available at no cost to help you get the most from your instruments and software.\u00a0 A thorough training program should include at least these topics:<\/p>\n