Fundamentals of spectroscopy for biomolecular structure and dynamics

Spectroscopic techniques include a wide range of methods used to study the properties of matter using electromagnetic radiation. In today's world, spectroscopy is used for the analysis of minute molecules and atoms to study galaxies. While characterizing biomolecular structure and dynamics, spectroscopic techniques are indispensable. In this chapter, we delve into the basics of biomolecular spectroscopy. We begin with the fundamental terms associated with spectroscopy, followed by an understanding of the properties of light. We discuss the different types of spectroscopic techniques and their instrumentation. Finally, various spectroscopic techniques like fluorescence spectroscopy-based methods, circular dichroism spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, light scattering methods, and mass spectrometry are described with an example to elucidate how they can be used in the study of biomolecular structure and dynamics.