Challenges in Interpreting Vibrational Sum Frequency Spectra: Deconvoluting Spectral Features as Demonstrated in the Calcium Fluoride—Water—Sodium Dodecylsulfate System

Abstract

Vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy is used to examine the CaF₂/H₂O interface and the CaF₂/D₂O interface upon adsorption of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) onto the CaF₂ surface. Proper interpretation of the results from this coherent spectroscopic technique requires a meticulous understanding of the interferences that result between sharp CH stretching modes, broad OH stretching modes, and the nonresonant background. The reported studies demonstrate the appropriate spectral analysis procedure required for a correct interpretation of spectra of this type and the errors that can result from a more simplistic but commonly used analysis procedure.