An approach to the study of minerals using infrared photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy

Abstract

Infrared (IR) spectra of minerals can be recorded by photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy with minimal sample preparation and even with no sample preparation at all. A modulated IR beam is focussed onto the sample, radiation selectively absorbed by the solid warms the solid and the air over it and brings about a refractive index gradient in the air, so that a laser beam grazing the solid's surface is deflected. Measurements of the deflections result in the IR photothermal absorption spectrum. Sample preparation steps can be avoided entirely, i.e., selected areas on the surface of a large specimed can be examined directly, provided that the laser probe beam can pass over the sample area. A minimal sample preparation, consisting of lightly grinding the sample by hand, increases sensitivity and avoids spectral reflection effects. Examples of application of the technique to carbonate and lead minerals are shown.