Extinction/Absorption/Transmission spectra

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In summary, the conversation is about finding exact definitions for extinction spectra, absorption spectra, and transmission spectra. The speaker is looking for clarification on whether the measurements should be in terms of energy or intensity. They also ask for recommendations for books or web resources to find these definitions. The expert suggests using an engineering electromagnetics book, specifically "Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics" by Constantine Balanis. They also mention that the coefficients for these measurements are typically given in terms of energy and are obtained by normalizing to the incident energy.
  • #1
krindik
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Hi,
This must be a textbook question but I couldn't find exact definitions(quantitative) of these measurements
Extinction spectra:
Absorption spectra:
Transmission spectra:

eg.
Lets say electric field spectrum of some location/surface is calculated by illuminating a source with and without the presence of an object.
With the presence of the object = [itex]E_{transmitted}(\omega)[/itex]
Without the presence of the object = [itex]E_{incident}(\omega)[/itex]
Absorption spectra = [tex]\frac{E_{incident}(\omega) - E_{transmitted}(\omega)}{E_{incident}(\omega)}[/tex]
Should it be [itex] E [/itex] or [itex] E^2 [/itex] (energy) ?

Can somebody point me to a book/ web resource or the answers to these definitions?
Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Usually the absorption, reflection, and transmission spectra are given in terms of the absorbed, reflected, or transmitted *energy* (intensity) sisnce that is what is measured. Also, the spectra are (usually) obtained by normalizing to the incident energy, to remove dependence on the source illumination.
 
  • #3
Could you give the exact definitions? Or any book?

Thanks in advance
 
  • #4
krindik said:
Could you give the exact definitions? Or any book?

Thanks in advance

Any engineering electromagnetics book will deal with the absorption, reflection and transmission of a wave. For example, Constantine Balanis' "Advanced Engineering Electromagnetics." Pretty much though, the coefficients are simply the ratio of the reflected or transmitted field with respect to the incident field. The energy coefficients are the square of the field coefficients if I recall correctly.
 

1. What is an extinction spectrum?

An extinction spectrum is a graph that shows how much light is absorbed by a substance at different wavelengths. It is used to study the chemical makeup of a substance and can provide information about the concentration and properties of its components.

2. How is an extinction spectrum different from an absorption spectrum?

An extinction spectrum measures the total amount of light that is absorbed by a substance, while an absorption spectrum only measures the light that is absorbed by the substance itself. This means that an extinction spectrum can include contributions from both the substance and any other materials present, such as solvents or impurities.

3. What is a transmission spectrum?

A transmission spectrum is a graph that shows how much light passes through a substance at different wavelengths. It is the opposite of an extinction spectrum, as it measures the amount of light that is transmitted or not absorbed by a substance.

4. What can extinction, absorption, and transmission spectra tell us about a substance?

These spectra can provide information about the chemical composition, concentration, and properties of a substance. They can also give insight into the molecular structure and interactions within the substance.

5. How are extinction, absorption, and transmission spectra measured?

These spectra are typically measured using a spectrophotometer, which measures the amount of light absorbed or transmitted by a substance at different wavelengths. The results are then plotted on a graph to create the spectrum.

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