Optimization of a Commercial Variable Angle Accessory for Entry Level Users of Electrochemical Attenuated Total Reflection Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS). Issue 12 (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sigrist, Jessica A.; Lins, Erick S.; Morhart, Tyler A.; Briggs, Jenni L.; Burgess, Ian J.
• Is Part Of: Applied spectroscopy. Volume 73:Issue 12(2019)
• Page Start: 1394
• Page End: 1402
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy -- ATR-SEIRAS -- face-angled crystals -- internal reflection elements -- angle of incidence -- commercial specular reflection accessory -- polarization dependence -- antireflective coatings; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; 543.505
• DOI: 10.1177/0003702819858353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-7028

Abstract

An evaluation of several experimental aspects that can optimize electrochemical attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) performance using a commercially available, specular reflection accessory is provided. A comparison of different silicon single-bounce internal reflection elements (IREs) is made with emphasis on different face-angled crystal (FAC) options. Selection of optimal angle of incidence for maximizing signal and minimizing noise is shown to require consideration of the optical throughput of the accessory, reflection losses at the crystal surfaces, and polarization effects. The benefits of wire-grid polarizers and antireflective (AR) coatings on the IREs is discussed. High signal-to-noise ratios can be achieved by omitting polarizers, using an AR-coated FAC with a larger face angle, and working at angles of incidence close to the maximum throughput angle of the accessory.