Chapter 15. UV–Vis spectroscopy in non-destructive testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an analysis technique used by industryto evaluate the properties of a material, component, structure, or systemfor characteristic differences or defects without causing damage to theoriginal matrix. In this chapter, UVVis spectroscopy or spectrophotometry (UVVis) as an NDT tool is well described. As its name implies,UVVis quantifies the properties of samples in the UVVis wavelengthranges of light (typically 190900/1100 nm) without destroying thematrix. Specifically, UVVis visible spectroscopy determines how muchlight of a given wavelength passes through a sample, and how much isabsorbed. Such information can be diagnostic of molecular identity, concentration, structure, or activity, whether of organic species such as porphyrins, benzenes, and naphthalenes or of biomolecules like nucleic acidsand proteins. Spectrophotometers can scan either fixed (i.e., predefined)or variable wavelengths, and come in both single- and double-beam configurations. Its simple operating system and robustness have enthralled theattention of users. Thus this technology is widely used in various applications especially in the environment, pharmaceutical, and agriculture. Inthis chapter, the principle, significant applications, and future potential ofUVVis spectroscopy as an NDT tool will be well describe