Practical Applications for
FT-IR Spectroscopy
Overview
Description:
Bruker Optics and the Penn State Department of Materials Science and Engineering are pleased to offer a two-day training course focused on the practical application of FT-IR spectroscopy. The course will be held Penn State University, Department of Material Science.
The program will focus on optimizing measurement parameters to generate high-quality, actionable infrared spectra and on understanding the criteria for selecting the most appropriate measurement technique for specific applications. Through a combination of expert lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions, participants will gain practical experience and valuable insights to enhance their FT-IR spectroscopy workflows.
Prerequisite:
Completion of an on-line course on the Theory of FT-IR spectroscopy. The link for this module will be provided with registration confirmation.
Costs:
$1,853.83
(includes course materials)
Dates:
- Prerequisite (on-line)
- October 6th - 7th, 2026 (in person on campus)
Location:
Penn State Materials Characterization Laboratory
Millennium Science Complex
491 Pollock Road
University Park PA 16802
Training Course Syllabus
Tuesday, October 6th
8:00–9:00 AM
Check-in and Coffee, introductions
9:00–9:40 AM
Lecture 1: Optimizing FT-IR Acquisition Parameters ("FT-IR Tradeoffs")
Topics
- Spectral resolution
- Number of scans
- Detector selection
- Balancing speed, signal-to-noise ratio, and spectral quality
Learning goal- Know which parameters in OPUS affect spectral quality
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Laboratory Session 1: Optimizing Data Acquisition
- OPUS interface overview
- Please bring your laptop with OPUS software installed if available.
Exercises
Using polystyrene or polyethylene standards, investigate the effects of:
- Spectral resolution on peak width and peak intensity
- Spectral resolution on noise and acquisition time
- Number of scans on signal-to-noise ratio
- Zero filling (observation only)
- Apodization function (observation only)
Learning goal- learn how to achieve the best S/N ratio in the shortest time
2:00–2:40 PM
Lecture 2: Introduction to FT-IR Sampling Techniques
Topics
- Transmission spectroscopy
- ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection)
- Specular reflection
- Diffuse reflection
- Sample preparation considerations for each sampling geometry
Learning goal- to be able to decide when and why to use ATR vs Transmission
3:00–5:00 PM
Laboratory Session 2: Comparing Sampling Techniques
Comparing Sampling Techniques
Exercises
- Comparison of ATR crystal materials using α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid
- Demonstration of Reststrahlen band distortion with diamond ATR
- Comparison with Germanium (Ge) ATR
- ATR versus transmission analysis of liquid samples (Olive oil)
- ATR versus transmission analysis of solid samples (Polyethylene (PE) film)
Learning goal- see the strengths and limitations of transmission and ATR. Observe how the spectra look different.
Wednesday, October 7th
9:00–9:40 AM
Lecture 3: Sample Preparation and Common Sources of Error
Topics
- Sample preparation for reproducible measurements
- Common contaminants
- Surface contamination
- Best practices for minimizing spectral artifacts
Learning goal- learn best practices for handling and preparing samples.
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Laboratory Session 3: Sample Preparation
Exercises
- Improving reproducibility (Grinding powder samples)
- Effect of variable pressure on ATR spectrum
- ATR Surface versus bulk analysis (Surface C=O on aged polyethylene)
- Identifying contamination using PDMS as an example. Not cleaning ATR crystal between measurements
Learning goal- cleaning crystal is critical for ATR, ATR can be surface sensitive, pressure affects reproducibility
12:00 PM
Course Wrap-up and Discussion
- Questions and answers
- Summary of key concepts
- Discussion
