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Citation: Jing Wu, Jingfeng Lan, Wei Wang, Lianhua Li, Zhaowei Qu, Fan Mei, Qiaosheng Pu. From shadow to shape: the fascinating journey from signal acquisition to spectrum display[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(4): 302-309. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202506103 shu

From shadow to shape: the fascinating journey from signal acquisition to spectrum display

Jing Wu ¹ ,
Jingfeng Lan ² ,
Wei Wang ¹ ,
Lianhua Li ² ,
Zhaowei Qu ¹ ,
Fan Mei ¹ ,
Qiaosheng Pu ^1,,

1.
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China;
2.
National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (Lanzhou University), Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, China

Corresponding author: Qiaosheng Pu, puqs@lzu.edu.cn
Received Date: 27 June 2025
Accepted Date: 28 August 2025

While chemistry students can clearly explain the experimental principles behind modern analytical instruments, many remain unclear about a crucial intermediate step: how a sample is transformed into a spectral output after entering the instrument. This conversion involves a sophisticated signal processing cascade: initially, subtle changes in optical, electrical, or chemical properties are detected and converted into analog electrical signals by a transducer. These weak current signals are converted into voltage signals via amplification, conditioned, and digitized, ultimately yielding computer-readable data displayed as a visual spectrum. This intricate process incorporates multiple electronic modules and fundamental concepts, including transimpedance amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), sampling frequency, and resolution. Through intuitive analogies that elucidate key signal processing stages, this article enhances students' comprehension of the complete pathway from raw signal acquisition to interpretable spectral data. It moves beyond the reductive “button-pressing” paradigm, cultivating a deeper appreciation for the underlying signal processing that generates each spectrum, thereby transforming analytical instruments from opaque “black boxes” into transparent and comprehensible tools.
- Analog signal,
- Filter,
- Transimpedance amplifier,
- Analog-to-digital conversion,
- Digital signal
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