Interface-specific vibrational spectrum
polarisation-resolved SFG
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy (SFG)
Characterise interface-specific vibrational spectrum, molecular orientation and ordering, and changes during adsorption, reaction, or electrochemical control using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£120 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 15 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Ekspla SFG Spectrometer
- Typical outputs
- SFG vibrational spectraPolarisation-dependent intensityFitted resonance positions, amplitudes, and interface interpretationProcessed spectra
Why this service
What SFG can help you understand
Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy is selected when the project needs defensible information on interface-specific vibrational spectrum, molecular orientation and ordering, or changes…
Molecular orientation and ordering
time-resolved or electrochemical SFG
Changes during adsorption, reaction, or electrochemical control
temperature or gas/liquid environment
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Polarisation-resolved SFG
interface-specific vibrational spectrum
- Best used when
- interface-specific vibrational spectrum
- Typical result
- SFG vibrational spectra
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Time-resolved or electrochemical SFG
molecular orientation and ordering
- Best used when
- molecular orientation and ordering
- Typical result
- Polarisation-dependent intensity
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Temperature or gas/liquid environment
changes during adsorption, reaction, or electrochemical control
- Best used when
- changes during adsorption, reaction, or electrochemical control
- Typical result
- Fitted resonance positions, amplitudes, and interface interpretation
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
SFG vibrational spectra reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Polarisation-dependent intensity supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Fitted resonance positions, amplitudes, and interface interpretation provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy?
Provide film / coating, liquid / solution, biological / soft material, device / assembly as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For interface-specific vibrational spectrum, start with polarisation-resolved SFG; add time-resolved or electrochemical SFG when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 15 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Signals are weak and alignment-intensive. Interpretation of orientation and coverage requires a suitable optical model.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope SFG correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth