A Single-Beam Approach to the Absorption Spectroscopy of Microcrystals

Abstract

A single-beam microcrystal absorption spectrometer system is described that operates in the range 300-2600 nm, on crystals smaller than 50 μm , in the temperature range 5-300 K, with resolution better than 1 cm^-1. The computer control of data acquisition and baseline storage with interpolation generates data of exceptional quality, and simplifies operation. The salient features of the apparatus are discussed, and the optimal sample absorption is calculated. Examples of optical spectra with relevance to some current interests in inorganic chemistry are provided.