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What is Spectroscopy?

Spectroscopy is the measurement of the interaction of light with matter.

All matter interacts differently to light, therefore each spectrum produced is considered a unique “fingerprint”.

 

When light encounters matter, some wavelengths of light will be absorbed as the molecules vibrate. Spectroscopy is used to monitor reflected or transmitted wavelengths which are then recorded in the form of a spectrum.

Spectroscopy is used to detect, identify and quantify information about atoms and molecules. Because different materials interact with light in different ways, spectroscopy can be used to verify whether a sample is what the label claims to be.

Authenticity

Identification of authenticity in products such as herbs, spices, cocoa, oils and rice.

Time

Identification of molecule changes over time, to suggest age, maturity or expiration.

Waste

The ability to verify the wrong specification or formulation before it’s used.

Quality

Spectroscopy identifies the uniformity and consistency of materials across batches.

Safety

Inconsistencies are identified very quickly, increasing the speed of decision making.

Process

Spectroscopy is available where it’s needed, either in a lab or as a handheld  device.

Traceability

Spectroscopy can be used in the determination of origin by detecting molecular variations.

Variety

Sensitive enough to identify different varieties of items such as rice or coffee.

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