What this workflow helps you do
Detect infrared absorption bands and review their positions against the measured FTIR spectrum before making functional-group assignments. NotyPlot keeps the signal mode, sensitivity, baseline state and detected bands visible so the peak list can be checked rather than accepted as a black box.
Use this workflow when
- Creating a reviewed list of FTIR band positions.
- Finding features before functional-group interpretation or sample comparison.
- Checking whether baseline, signal orientation or noise is affecting band detection.
What you need before you start
- An FTIR spectrum with a known wavenumber axis, typically in cm⁻¹.
- Knowledge of whether the signal is absorbance, transmittance or another representation.
- A spectrum with sufficient signal quality for the bands of interest.
Step-by-step workflow
- Import the FTIR spectrum and confirm the wavenumber and signal axes.
- Set or verify the signal mode so absorption features are interpreted in the correct orientation.
- Review baseline and smoothing choices, using processing only when it improves the defensibility of feature detection.
- Run infrared analysis and inspect each detected band on the spectrum.
- Remove or disregard features caused by noise, clipping or obvious artifacts.
- Export or label the reviewed bands, or continue to the functional-group evidence workflow.
What to review in the result
- Band positions align with visible spectral features.
- The signal mode and wavenumber unit are correct.
- Baseline or smoothing has not created, shifted or erased important bands.
- Crowded or overlapping bands are treated cautiously.
Before you report or export
- Keep processing settings with the exported band list.
- Use band positions as evidence, not as automatic proof of a functional group.
- Compare spectra only after confirming consistent axis and signal conventions.
Limitations and interpretation
- Overlapping FTIR bands may appear as one broad feature.
- Baseline drift, saturation and noise can change detected positions.
- A band position alone is rarely unique to one chemical group or compound.