430
C. W. Huck
above, NIR bands can deliver unique information on the properties of such molecules
in their native environment. The above examples demonstrate that interpretability of
NIR spectra of complex molecules such as biomolecules remains a challenge, and
often, only speculative NIR band assignments are available, with selected ones being
resolved, e.g., the intense and strongly affected by intermolecular interaction OH
stretching bands. Recent advances in quantum chemical calculation of NIR spectra
of biomolecules should be highlighted, [1, 29–32] which bring significant progress
in the interpretability of their NIR absorption, as well as the insight into how it is
influenced by intermolecular interactions. Rapid development of the applicability of
these new methods for improving our understanding of NIR spectra of biomolecules
should be expected in the near future [1].
19.10 Selected Other Applications
The attributes of NIR spectroscopy have been recognized in ecology and environmental studies. Most often, in such applications, samples of biological origin are
investigated. Moreover, spectroscopic analysis is in its essence chemical reagentfree, and as such, spectroscopy itself is environmental friendly. A focused review
of the role of NIR spectroscopy in modern research in the field of ecology and
environment is available in the recent literature [33].
Over the last few years, entirely, new possibilities have emerged as the result
of the progress in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, i.e., airborne drones) technology.
Such accomplishment became possible on the basis of breakthroughs made in the past
decade, with sensor miniaturization, new low-power technology and progress in spectral data processing. There appears an enormous potential from deploying spectroscopic sensors mounted on drones. Applications of airborne NIR sensors installed on
UAV are recently strongly advancing in agriculture and environmental studies. Such
configuration enables unparalleled high-throughput capability and remote sensing of
large Earth surface areas. The current evolution trends are aiming toward real-time
monitoring and imaging by using airborne NIR spectrometers. A comprehensive
overview of the current state-of-the-art airborne spectroscopy, including NIR, is
available in the recent literature [34].
It is worthwhile to mention a narrow field of bio-significant research at which NIR
spectroscopy has remarkable accomplishments; investigation of water structure and
properties. While not an organic matter, water is an essential biological environment
and its properties as well as interactions with other molecules, and biomolecules in
particular, are critical for our understanding of biological processes. At this direction,
NIR spectroscopy delivered unique insights. Noteworthy is the pioneering research
by Segtnan et al. on the structure of water (Fig. 19.8), [35] and combined studies
of NIR and IR spectra have also been carried out [36]. Notably, water absorption is
comparatively weaker in NIR region than IR region, and simultaneous observation of
C. W. Huck
above, NIR bands can deliver unique information on the properties of such molecules
in their native environment. The above examples demonstrate that interpretability of
NIR spectra of complex molecules such as biomolecules remains a challenge, and
often, only speculative NIR band assignments are available, with selected ones being
resolved, e.g., the intense and strongly affected by intermolecular interaction OH
stretching bands. Recent advances in quantum chemical calculation of NIR spectra
of biomolecules should be highlighted, [1, 29–32] which bring significant progress
in the interpretability of their NIR absorption, as well as the insight into how it is
influenced by intermolecular interactions. Rapid development of the applicability of
these new methods for improving our understanding of NIR spectra of biomolecules
should be expected in the near future [1].
19.10 Selected Other Applications
The attributes of NIR spectroscopy have been recognized in ecology and environmental studies. Most often, in such applications, samples of biological origin are
investigated. Moreover, spectroscopic analysis is in its essence chemical reagentfree, and as such, spectroscopy itself is environmental friendly. A focused review
of the role of NIR spectroscopy in modern research in the field of ecology and
environment is available in the recent literature [33].
Over the last few years, entirely, new possibilities have emerged as the result
of the progress in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV, i.e., airborne drones) technology.
Such accomplishment became possible on the basis of breakthroughs made in the past
decade, with sensor miniaturization, new low-power technology and progress in spectral data processing. There appears an enormous potential from deploying spectroscopic sensors mounted on drones. Applications of airborne NIR sensors installed on
UAV are recently strongly advancing in agriculture and environmental studies. Such
configuration enables unparalleled high-throughput capability and remote sensing of
large Earth surface areas. The current evolution trends are aiming toward real-time
monitoring and imaging by using airborne NIR spectrometers. A comprehensive
overview of the current state-of-the-art airborne spectroscopy, including NIR, is
available in the recent literature [34].
It is worthwhile to mention a narrow field of bio-significant research at which NIR
spectroscopy has remarkable accomplishments; investigation of water structure and
properties. While not an organic matter, water is an essential biological environment
and its properties as well as interactions with other molecules, and biomolecules in
particular, are critical for our understanding of biological processes. At this direction,
NIR spectroscopy delivered unique insights. Noteworthy is the pioneering research
by Segtnan et al. on the structure of water (Fig. 19.8), [35] and combined studies
of NIR and IR spectra have also been carried out [36]. Notably, water absorption is
comparatively weaker in NIR region than IR region, and simultaneous observation of