Recent advances in FTIR technology

Abstract

For the monitoring of hydrocarbons and toxic air contaminants, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has advantages in the ability to rapidly measure multiple species accurately at low concentrations. During the last few years, FT-IR spectrometers have improved substantially in ruggedness, speed, sensitivity, and flexibility for performing air emission measurements. This paper discusses advances made at On-Line Technologies, Inc. (On-Line) in: a rugged interferometer, an advanced data system, linearized photoconductive detectors, analysis software, and operating software. These improvements in the FT-IR hardware allow improvements in detection sensitivity, scan speed, and the ability to operate in harsh environments.