Factors determining the sensitivity of infrared microsampling are discussed. Experiments are described to explain the sample loss that occurs during the preparation of KBr microdisks using organic molecules of fairly low volatility. The principal loss in these experiments happens because of evaporation of the sample while the mixture with KBr is being transferred to the die. If solvent had to be evaporated from the sample prior to preparing the disk, the main loss would occur during this step. It is suggested that the use of dilute solutions in small volume will lead to greater potential sensitivity than the microdisk technique, even though cells of greater cross sectional area may have to be used.
OrrS. F. D. and YoungR. P., “The Recording of a Spectrum,” in Laboratory Methods in Infrared Spectroscopy” eds. MillerR. G. J. and StaceB. C., Eds. (Heyden, London, 1972), 2nd ed.
2.
GriffithsP. R., Anal. Chem.44, 1909 (1972).
3.
GriffithsP. R.FoskettC. T., and CurbeloR., Appl. Spectrosc. Rev.6, 31 (1972).
