UV/Vis/NIR Spectroscopy in the Arena of Materials Characterization Research and Quality Control: How Instrumental Performance and Accessories Define Success

Most people think solutions in a cuvette when referring to spectrophotometers; however, in the world of materials characterization, rarely are solutions the primary sample.

Here the samples can be anything from solid, creams, gels, particle suspensions, films, and in some cases actual human beings (sunscreen characterization). These samples all have one thing in common, they are impossible to dilute. The materials characterization high performance spectrophotometer must have the ability to measure high absorbance values (8 to 10 absorbance units). Instrumental parameters that are crucial to measuring materials characterization samples are stray light, noise, resolution, and scan speed. In this presentation we will address how these inter-related parameters influence measurement success.

Most measurements for the above-mentioned samples are not of the simple transmission type. Reflection, both specular and diffuse, and scatter transmission measurements abound in the world of materials characterization. It is vital that the proper accessory be employed to match the measurement desired. This presentation will address the function of integrating spheres and how they can be used to measure both diffuse reflection and transmission. Also discussed will be the difference between a relative and absolute reflection measurement. Finally, an overview will be given of important accessories related to the materials characterization marketplace. Register now!

Presenter: Jeffrey L. Taylor, Ph.D. (Molecular Spectroscopy Guru, Industry Expert With Over 35 Years of Experience)

Dr. Jeffrey L. Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia College and State University with dual majors in Physiology and Organic Chemistry. He obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia in Toxicology and later a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the same school in Biochemistry and Spectroscopy.

He has spent his career of over 35 years with major spectroscopy instruments manufacturers, mainly working as Field Product Specialist and Senior Staff Scientist. Areas of expertise include technical support of sales, customer support/training, applications design and development, software specification/evaluation, and instrumental design and evaluation. He is the author of numerous application notes, conference presentations and webcasts, and holder of several patents.

Dr. Taylor, although retired, maintains his desire to contribute to the field. He is currently a consultant for Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to assist with sales support, application support and development of web-based educational resources.

Presenter: Sudhir Dahal, Ph.D. (Product Manager - Molecular Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)

Sudhir Dahal is Product Manager of Molecular Spectroscopy group at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, USA. He joined the company after obtaining his PhD from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he researched and collaborated on developing novel spectroscopy-based technique for brain tumor cell detection. At Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, he and his group are responsible for overall sales support of molecular spectroscopy products in North America, Central America and parts of South America. The products include UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, Fluorescence spectrophotometers and accessories.

His everyday responsibilities include, but are not limited to, teaching classes to sales/technical support engineers and customers, producing scientific literatures, researching new products and applications, representing Shimadzu at conferences and promoting the products through various marketing campaigns.