Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Spektrometrie / Español: Espectrometría / Português: Espectrometria / Français: Spectrométrie / Italiano: Spettrometria /

Ion-mobility spectrometry is an analytical technique used to separate and identify ionized molecules in the gas phase based on their ion mobility in a carrier buffer gas.
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of charged particles.

In the quality management context, 'spectrometry' refers to the scientific technique used to analyze and measure the properties of materials based on their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. It involves the study of the interaction between light and matter to obtain valuable information about the composition, structure, and characteristics of substances. Spectrometry plays a crucial role in quality control and assurance, as it allows for the accurate and precise analysis of various parameters that determine the quality and integrity of products. Here are some examples of 'spectrometry' applications in different industries:

1. Chemical Analysis: Spectrometry is widely used in chemical analysis to determine the elemental composition of substances. For example, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are used to analyze the concentration of metals in samples. This is important in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and environmental testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to monitor the presence of contaminants.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, spectrometry techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are used to identify and characterize chemical compounds. These techniques help verify the purity, stability, and quality of drug substances and formulations.

3. Environmental Analysis: Spectrometry plays a crucial role in environmental analysis to assess the presence of pollutants and contaminants in air, water, and soil samples. For instance, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used to detect and quantify organic pollutants, while ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometry is employed to measure water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and organic matter.

4. Food and Beverage Industry: Spectrometry techniques are utilized in the food and beverage industry to assess the quality, authenticity, and safety of products. For example, infrared spectroscopy can be used to identify and quantify nutrients, contaminants, or adulterants in food samples. Additionally, near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry is employed for rapid analysis of various parameters such as moisture content, fat content, or sugar content in food products.

5. Materials Testing: Spectrometry is widely used in materials testing to assess the composition and properties of materials. For instance, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is utilized to determine the elemental composition of metals, alloys, and other solid materials. This is important in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction to ensure the quality and performance of materials used in production.

Similar techniques and methods related to 'spectrometry' in the quality management context include:

- Mass Spectrometry (MS): Mass spectrometry is a technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify chemical compounds. It is widely used in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, and forensic science.

- Raman Spectroscopy: Raman spectroscopy is a technique that uses laser light to analyze the vibrational and rotational modes of molecules. It provides valuable information about molecular structure and can be applied in areas such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, and forensic analysis.

- UV-Visible Spectroscopy: UV-Visible spectrometry involves the measurement of the absorption or transmission of light in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is commonly used in quantitative analysis, kinetics studies, and quality control applications.

- Flame Photometry: Flame photometry is a technique used to measure the concentration of certain elements in a sample by observing the characteristic emission of light from the flame. It is often used in the analysis of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

- Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP): ICP spectrometry combines the use of plasma as an ionization source with spectroscopic analysis to determine the elemental composition of samples. It is highly sensitive and is commonly used in environmental analysis, geochemistry, and metallurgy.

In summary, 'spectrometry' in the quality management context refers to the use of various techniques to analyze and measure the properties of materials based on their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. It finds applications in a wide range of industries, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, food and beverages, and materials testing. These techniques enable accurate and precise analysis, ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

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