The History of NIR: A Revolution in Chemical Analysis

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) was first explored in the 1940s and 1950s when researchers began studying the interaction of infrared radiation with different types of matter. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s, with advances in technology and the development of more sophisticated equipment, that the technique gained significant relevance in the industrial market. Since then, NIR has been widely used in chemical and food analyses, expanding to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and agriculture.

What is NIR? Discover the Potential of this Technology

The NIR spectrophotometer is an instrument that uses electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from approximately 780 nm to 2500 nm. This range of radiation is applied to identify and quantify the chemical composition of substances without requiring reagents or complex sample preparation procedures. This makes the technique practical, cost-effective, and highly efficient for industrial and laboratory applications.

How Does NIR Work?

NIR spectroscopy operates based on the selective absorption of radiation by molecules in functional groups such as:

• O-H (hydroxyls)

• C-H (hydrocarbons)

• N-H (amides)

• C=O (carbonyls)

These groups absorb radiation at specific wavelengths, enabling not only the identification of components present in the sample but also the determination of their concentration. The intensity of absorbed radiation is directly linked to the amount of a given compound, allowing for precise qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Why Choose NIR?

NIR spectroscopy offers a unique combination of speed, accuracy, and versatility. Furthermore, it is a non-destructive technique, preserving the integrity of the samples, making it ideal for:

• Quality control in industrial processes

• Laboratory applications

• Real-time production monitoring

References

• Burns, D. A., & Ciurczak, E. W. (2008). Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis (3rd ed.). CRC Press.

• Workman, J., & Weyer, L. (2007). Practical Guide to Interpretive Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (2nd ed.). CRC Press.

• Osborne, B. G., Fearn, T., & Hindle, P. H. (1993). Practical NIR Spectroscopy with Applications in Food and Beverage Analysis.Longman Scientific & Technical.