Near Infrared Spectroscopy: fundamentals, practical aspects and analytical applications

TLDR

Near‑infrared spectroscopy offers powerful analytical capabilities yet remains limited for novices, and this review outlines its fundamentals, practical constraints, and the current Brazilian state of the art following the First Workshop on NIR Spectroscopy. The paper reviews the basic theory and analytical applications of NIR spectroscopy, focusing on recent representative literature without providing an exhaustive bibliography. It presents essential theory, modern instrument design, practical aspects, and cross‑field applications of NIR spectroscopy.

Abstract

This paper intends to review the basic theory of Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy and its applications in the field of Analytical Science. It is addressed to the reader who does not have a profound knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy but wants to be introduced to the analytical potentialities of this fascinating technique and, at same time, be conscious of its limitations. Essential theory background, an outline of modern instrument design, practical aspects, and applications in a number of different fields are presented. This work does not intend to supply an intensive bibliography but refers to the most recent, significant and representative material found in the technical literature. Because this paper has been produced as consequence of the First Workshop on Near Infrared Spectroscopy, whose venue was Campinas - Brazil, as a pre-conference activity of the XI National Meeting on Analytical Chemistry (ENQA), it also depicts the state of the art of NIR spectroscopy in Brazil, pointing out the current achievements and the need to take the technology to a level consistent with this country's economical activities.