1.3 The Interaction of Electromagnetic Radiation with Surfaces

In addition to the interactions between electromagnetic radiation and samples, the analyst must also be concerned with interactions between electromagnetic radiation and the components of the instrument. Most of these interactions are a result of the instrument design and help ensure proper function. At the most basic level these components also act like the sample molecules; they can potentially absorb electromagnetic radiation. The absorptive properties of black surfaces are utilized to absorb scattered light to prevent it from generating noise. However, some of these interactions will act in a detrimental way to interfere with the proper operation of the instrument. The absorption of light by any component in the path of the radiation would detrimentally affect the accuracy of the measurement.

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Section 1.3.1

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