Understanding the Difference Between Spectrometry and Spectroscopy

The study of light-matter interactions is incredibly vast and varied with many similar-sounding sub-categories so no wonder students in the field frequently make the mistake of mixing up terms. Spectrometry and spectroscopy are two terms that are often mixed-up even though they have completely different definitions. Essentially spectroscopy is the study of radiated energy and matter aimed at figuring out how they interact together. Spectrometry is the applied science of spectrometry so there are actually real-world applications that can be useful. This article will go over some of the main definitions of spectrometry and spectroscopy so moving forward you hopefully won’t mix-up the two anymore.

Spectrometry

Spectrometry refers to the actual measurement of a specific spectrum, there are four main types of spectrometers: mass spectrometers, neuron triple-axis spectrometers, ion mobility spectrometers and finally, Rutherford backscattering spectrometers. Think of these different types of spectrometers as different types of analytic tools used for determining how energy and matter interact. If you wish to look more into spectrometers, the ones from Pasco Scientific are a great way to start. They are absolutely high-quality pieces of machinery so you can put your theoretical knowledge of spectroscopy to good use and start applying it to real-world problems with spectrometry. The following paragraphs will highlight some of the applied uses of spectrometry.

Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is an analytic technique used to measure the mass-to-change ratio of ions. A sample material like metal is placed into the mass spectrometer and it ionized, the results are then generally plotted as a mass spectrum. Mass spectrometry has many direct applications such as determining the isotopic composition of elements in a molecule.

Neuron Triple Axis Spectrometry

Neuron triple-axis spectrometry is an analytic technique used in inelastic neutron scattering; the three-axis refer to monochromatization, sample interaction, and analyzing. It works by exciting neurons and then analyzing their wavelengths in order to determine energy transfer. Triple axis spectrometry has many useful applications, but it was originally designed for measuring the phonons, which a crystalline compound can sustain when it’s excited.

Ion-Mobility Spectrometry

Ion-mobility spectrometry is an analytic technique intended to separate and identify specific ionized molecules in their gas-phase depending on their mobility in a carrier buffer gas. The way it works is that ions are separated at standard atmospheric pressure after being charged under an electric field where they then can be sorted by shape and size. Ion-mobility spectrometry is incredibly interesting and has multiple applications such as in the detection of drugs, explosives and even biological warfare agents since they can detect pretty much any compound that is ionized.

Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry

Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, which is sometimes also referred to as high-energy ion scattering (HEIS) spectrometry is an analytic process used to determine the specific structure and composition of a substance by measuring the backscattering of a beam of high energy ions, usually alpha particles or protons. A Rutherford backscattering spectrometer requires three essential components: a source of ions, a linear particle accelerator and a detector capable of measuring the energies of the backscattered ions over multiple angles. Applications of this method include the determination of the composition of materials being tested and even their purity.

Spectroscopy

When energy is absorbed by matter, it causes it to enter an excited state and can react in many ways, this is what the science of spectroscopy looks into. Spectroscopy started off originally as the study of visible light being dispersed according to its wavelengths. A classic example of spectroscopy is analyzing white light when it enters a prism and is dispersed into different colors. Later on, spectroscopy expanded to include the study of the interaction of specific substances and different forms of energy as a function of their frequency or wavelength.

Applications of Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is studied across several different fields of research, including chemistry, physics and even astronomy as it looks into the composition and structures of different types of matter. Spectroscopy is a broad field of study, but one example of what it looks into is the different types of materials. When different types of materials are energized they will express different sorts of characteristics. For example, when a sodium chloride molecule is charged with electricity, it will express different electron spin states and molecular vibration than an ammonia molecule being charged at the same level.

Spectroscopy also encompasses the study of how different types of radiation affect compounds. By looking at how molecules and atoms react to different forms of energy like microwaves or infrared light, we can learn more about their structure. Spectroscopy is, therefore, more about scientific inquiry where spectrometry is more about the applied use of matter and energy interactions.

Spectroscopy is the scientific study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Spectrometry is the direct application of spectroscopy and is used to measure the properties of specific spectrums. There are four main types of spectrometry, which have their own specific applications: mass spectrometry, neuron triple-axis spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Remember these definitions of spectroscopy and spectrometry and you won’t mix up the two again.

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Can Smartphones Serve As Radar Detectors?

We have all seen people in their vehicles get pulled over for speeding. Perhaps it may have even happened to you. We know that traffic cops park in blocked off areas and hide their cars so they cannot be seen from the road. Then they use radar guns to monitor the speed of vehicles traveling down the street secretly. It almost seems unfair for the cops to hide and watch us in the hopes of catching someone driving a little too fast. If you are fed up with searching for police while you drive, then you should consider purchasing a radar detector.

A radar detector is a device that can detect when a traffic cop’s radar gun is monitoring their vehicle for speed. If you use a radar detector whenever you are driving, you can discover cops before they have a chance to monitor your speed and slow down. This device keeps you from being pulled over for speeding and prevents you from getting speeding tickets. If you have a smartphone, then you can also turn your phone into a mini radar detector.

How to turn your smartphone into a radar detector

While smartphones cannot alone serve as a radar detector, if it is linked up to a quality antenna that can pick up radar signals, then it will work. If you purchase an antenna, then you should also purchase one of the many radar detecting apps on Android or Google Play. There are free radar detecting apps on the market, but they are of low quality and will eat up your battery. The apps that have a subscription are more likely to be reliable. A smartphone can receive radio signals, as that’s how it makes phone calls. But radio signals and radar gun signals are slightly different. When you purchase an antenna, the antenna enables your smartphone to pick up radar gun signals.

How the Uniden R3 can help you

If you cannot purchase a quality antenna for your smartphone, then you should consider purchasing a small but power radar detector. Some detectors, like the Uniden R3, are as little as a smartphone but powerful enough to detect long-range signals from radar guns. It also has voice alerts to make you aware of nearby signals without taking your eyes off the road.

 Its GPS technology maps out false starts, so it never will alert you again when you pass through the same area. It is equipped with an industry-leading long-range detector to warn you of range guns as soon and as far away as possible. It even has an internal database of all speeding cameras around your vehicles and will alert you to their presence. It is small and only weighs 1.4 pounds, so it can easily transfer to any other vehicles you use. Get to know the Uniden R3 more in a full review by Ratedradardetector.

Although it is vital to keep yourself safe from cops and prevent you from getting speeding tickets, we hope that you don’t speed too much. Speeding can be dangerous, especially on curving roads and in blind intersections. And remember that radar detectors can alert you to radar guns, but it cannot shield you from traffic cameras if you run a red light.

Cell Coverage Hole Detection

Cell coverage hole detection refers to the process of identifying areas or locations with poor or no cellular network coverage. These coverage holes can result in dropped calls, slow data speeds, or complete loss of connectivity in certain areas.

Detecting cell coverage holes is essential for telecommunication companies and network operators as it helps them identify areas that need improvement in terms of network infrastructure and signal strength. By identifying these coverage gaps, network providers can take necessary actions to enhance coverage and improve the overall user experience.

Here are some common methods used for cell coverage hole detection:

Customer Feedback: Network operators often rely on customer complaints and feedback to identify areas with poor coverage. Customers may report dropped calls, weak signals, or data connectivity issues, which can help pinpoint potential coverage holes.

Drive Testing: Drive testing involves driving or traveling through various areas while monitoring signal strength, call quality, and data performance. Specialized equipment or mobile apps can be used to collect data on network performance, allowing operators to identify coverage gaps.

Signal Mapping: Signal mapping involves creating detailed coverage maps by measuring signal strength and quality at various locations. This can be done using specialized tools or crowdsourcing data from users through dedicated apps or services.

Network Performance Monitoring: Network operators continuously monitor network performance metrics, including signal strength, call drop rates, and data throughput. Anomalies or patterns indicating poor coverage can be detected through data analysis.

Site Surveys: Network operators may conduct physical site surveys in areas where coverage issues are reported or suspected. These surveys involve evaluating the signal strength and quality on-site, assessing the surrounding environment, and identifying potential obstacles or interference sources.

By utilizing these methods, network operators can gather valuable data and insights into areas of poor coverage, enabling them to plan and implement solutions such as adding new cell towers, adjusting antenna configurations, or deploying signal boosters to improve coverage in those areas.