Understanding the Limits of the Bouguer-Beer-Lambert Law
Thomas G. Mayerhöfer, Susanne Pahlow, Jürgen Popp
Abstract
The Bouguer-Beer-Lambert law is frequently applied in spectroscopy and spectrophotometry. Often it is assumed that it accurately describes the observed changes induced by light-matter interactions and properly reflects the physical phenomena at play. For most cases, however, this is not true, and issues can arise when the Bouguer-Beer-Lambert law is applied uncritically. In this short article, we will comment on its fundamental limits and their physical background.
Topics & Concepts
Beer–Lambert lawLawBouguer anomalyPhysicsOpticsPolitical scienceAmplitudeGravity anomalySpectroscopy and Quantum Chemical StudiesMolecular spectroscopy and chiralityAnalytical Chemistry and Sensors