Characterization of Kuwait Crude Oil via Terahertz Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

\nWe report the experimental and theoretical terahertz (THz) absorption characteristics of unprocessed crude oils from Kuwait oil wells. Using THz Fourier transform spectroscopy technique and semi-empirical computational chemistry calculation, five of the 30 crude oils revealed characteristic absorbance spectra. Experimental data showed absorption peaks at 6.0 THz, 7.7 THz, 13 THz, and 16 THz. On the other hand, the calculated spectral bands of 10 nonane molecules were found at around 2.8 THz, 7.7 THz, 10 THz, and 16 THz. Although only two bands were predicted by the calculation, adding alkane molecules of different lengths (pentane to decane) resulted in the formation of new bands. These preliminary results suggest that there is a mixture of different alkanes present in the investigated samples, a typical characteristic of unprocessed crude oil.\n