How one molecule's 'voice' was captured: Infrared light meets scanning tunneling microscopy
Phys.org
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Infrared spectroscopy has unlocked a unique way to "listen" to the vibrations of molecules by measuring how light excites their movements. These vibrations, which occur at infrared frequencies, are caused by chemical bonds stretching, bending, or twisting. By analyzing these patterns, scientists can gain insights into molecular behavior, much like understanding the sound waves produced by musical instruments.
The technique involves shining infrared light on a molecule and observing how it absorbs specific wavelengths. This absorption corresponds to particular vibrational modes, creating a sort of "fingerprint" for each substance. Infrared spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry and materials science for identifying compounds and studying molecular interactions.
Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) further enhances this method by providing spatial resolution, allowing researchers to visualize molecular structures based on their vibrational patterns. This combination enables detailed studies of surface chemistry and the behavior of individual molecules, which could lead to advancements in fields like catalysis and nanotechnology.
Understanding molecular vibrations through infrared spectroscopy is crucial for scientific research. It offers a non-invasive way to study materials at the atomic level, aiding in the
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/19/2026