Infrared spectroscopy is based on molecular vibrations caused by the oscillation of molecular dipoles. Bonds have characteristic vibrations depending on the atoms in the bond, the number of bonds, and the orientation of those bonds with respect to the rest of the molecule. Thus, different molecules have specific spectra that can be collected for use in distinguishing products or identifying an unknown substance to a certain extent. Thermo Scientific Nicolet S10 FT-IR spectrometer has the capability at rugged, precise, fast-paced operation, yet simplifies laboratory data collection to its most basic: load the sample, generate the spectrum, and press print or save. The instrument delivers data that are confidence enough in the verification and identification of materials with a minimal investment in time. The transmission compartment fits all of the typical transmission accessories, like salt-plate cells, flow cells, or film holders. Sample introduction and cleaning of liquids, gels, and pastes are even simpler using the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory. Gases can be analyzed using standard gas cells (the user has to purchase the cells at the moment), right in the transmission housing. The instrument came with a powerful analysis program, OMNIC SpectaTM, gives unparalleled access to spectral interpretation tools. The OMNIC interface allows you to assign functional groups, search against libraries, deeper analysis such as analysis of mixtures against a library of over 9000 compounds