00911 - Applied spectroscopy

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired knowledge about spectroscopic techniques used for the characterization and study of molecules and materials. The student will gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical and applied aspects of infrared and Raman spectroscopies used in absorption. Additionally, they will receive information about the instrumentation commonly used in modern scientific and industrial laboratories. Examples of the application of vibrational spectroscopy in forensic science, cultural heritage, the atmosphere, astrophysics, and astronomy will be provided.

Course contents

The course introduces the general concepts needed to understand the main molecular spectroscopic techniques. The fundamental aspects of electromagnetic radiation and light–matter interaction will be reviewed, with particular attention to absorption and emission processes by molecular species and to Einstein transition probabilities.

Rotational spectroscopy.
Rotational energy levels, pure rotational spectra, selection rules, level populations and spectral structure will be discussed. The intensity of rotational transitions, non-rigid rotor effects and the rotational spectra of polyatomic molecules will also be examined. This section will also include a description of the instrumentation used in rotational spectroscopy.

Vibrational spectroscopy.
This part of the course introduces the theory underlying infrared (IR) and vibrational Raman spectroscopy, with examples of analysis using these techniques. Starting from the harmonic oscillator model, the course will then move on to the analysis of spectra of more complex molecules, introducing the concept of group frequencies. The main instruments used in vibrational spectroscopy will also be described, including FT-IR, ATR, Raman spectrometers and Raman microspectrometers.

UV-Vis electronic spectroscopy.
Electronic transitions, atomic electronic spectra, the Franck-Condon principle and vibronic transitions will be covered. The electronic spectra of polyatomic molecules, the role of chromophores and the fate of electronically excited states will then be discussed, with particular reference to non-radiative and radiative decay processes, including fluorescence and phosphorescence. This section will also include a description of instrumentation for electronic spectroscopy.

The course will conclude with examples of applications of spectroscopic techniques to the study of the atmosphere, astrophysics, the solid state, materials and cultural heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes covering all topics are provided and available to students through the university repository. Molecular Spectroscopy / Jeanne L. McHale. Second edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2017.

 

Teaching methods

Lectures are delivered in person with the support of projected PowerPoint slides and other multimedia materials.

Lectures are supported by PowerPoint slides, whiteboard explanations, selected videos or visualizations, and downloadable lecture notes. All materials are shared via Virtuale.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral and covers two topics. During the examination, the student will be asked to discuss and explain key concepts, demonstrate basic understanding of theoretical principles and instrumentations.

For learning assessment purposes, limited, declared and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities, such as summarising or rephrasing. Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the examination is not allowed.

 

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities should contact the office responsible as soon as possible so that acceptable adjustments can be proposed. Requests for adaptation must be submitted in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by PowerPoint slides, whiteboard explanations, selected videos or visualizations, and downloadable lecture notes. All materials are shared via Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Venuti