Analysis of a Filter Paper Surface Contaminant with the GladiATR™ Vision Observation-Type ATR

Introduction

ATR (attenuated total reflection) is a powerful type of reflectance method that enables measurement of minute or thick samples which are difficult to measure using the transmission method. The ATR method acquires an absorbance spectrum of a sample surface by measuring the total reflection of light from the sample surface. Characteristics of this method include simplicity compared to other surface analysis methods, absorbance intensity that depends on wavelength, and the ability to adjust the penetration depth of light into the sample by changing the incident angle and crystal refractive index. Shimadzu offers an extensive variety of ATR accessories, including those that enable observation and others equipped with a pressure sensor. This article introduces an example of analyzing a contaminant using one of these ATR accessories, the GladiATR Vision manufactured by PIKE Technologies.

December 20, 2018 GMT