Spectroscopy—a technology looking for applications

Abstract

Spectroscopy today is, by far, the most extensively and intensively used laboratory technique since its limited application as an analytical tool by Newton in the late 17th century. The extent of its sophistication and applications during the 20th century has grown in leaps and bounds and has given rise to a “brave new world” where, like the laser, it is also a tool looking for more and more new and esoteric applications. It has grown many branches and sub-branches including its applications for understanding the subatomic world, solving many scientific and technical problems on Earth, and analysis of our cosmic Universe. The present article is intended to give a flavour of its potential. Particular emphasis is placed on fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies.