Fourier transform spectroscopy

Abstract Fourier transform spectroscopy is a technique that uses interference of light rather than dispersion to measure the spectrum of a substance. The basis of this technique is the Fourier-pair relationship between the interferogram (interference function) of a substance and its spectrum. This relationship and other important physical and mathematical principles of Fourier transform spectroscopy are reviewed, and the important role of mini-computers in the development and application of this technique is discussed.