Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a powerful, non-invasive analytical technique used to measure the interactions between light and matter. NIRS measures the absorption and reflectance of light in the near-infrared range (700-2500 nm) to provide information on a range of physical, chemical, and biological properties of a sample. NIRS is one of the various spectroscopic techniques that are used to analyze the composition of a sample. NIRS is unique compared to other spectroscopic techniques because it can analyze a sample without destroying it, making it well suited for in situ and non-destructive analysis. NIRS also has a high level of sensitivity and accuracy, and the results can be measured in real-time. In a typical NIRS analysis, a light source shines a beam of polarised light which is then directed onto a sample. The polarised light interacts with the molecules in the sample, and the photons either absorbed or reflected. The energy of the light is then measured and used to identify the material’s molecular structures, yielding chemical information about the sample. NIRS is used in many different industries, from agriculture to biomedical sciences. In agriculture, NIRS is used to measure water content in grains and other produce, evaluate food safety, and even analyse soil nutrient levels. In the biomedical field, NIRS is used to detect compounds such as glucose, lipids, and proteins in organisms, and even to help diagnose certain diseases and monitor recovery. Additionally, NIRS is also used in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries to analyse materials and ensure quality control. Overall, NIRS is an effectively and accurate spectroscopic technique that can be used to analyse and identify the properties of a sample without ruining it. This makes it invaluable in a variety of industries for a range of analytical applications.