A Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) is giving the students hands-on experience with modern infrared instrumentation and current infrared sampling techniques. With the spectrometer's integral computer the students are being exposed to computer controlled instrumentation and computer analysis of data earlier in their course work. The principles introduced by exposure of students to the FT-IR are forming the basis of explanation of other instruments using transform methods or which are interfaced to computers. The spectrometer with its accessories is allowing the students to expand their analysis experience with mixtures, opaque solids, powders, and surfaces using reflectance techniques. The aqueous liquid cell is making possible the routine vibrational analysis of aqueous solutions. Current experiments in the department are being modified and new experiments are being produced for undergraduate students which are taking into account the capabilities of an FT-IR spectrometer, computer analysis of spectra and reflectance techniques for analysis. The range, sensitivity, and resolution of the instrument is also being used by students doing undergraduate research in organometallic synthesis and molecular structure. The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.
